Havana, Cuba. Thousands of Cubans gathered on Friday near the US embassy to protest a US decision to indict former president Raul Castro over the downing of two civilian airplanes 30 years ago.
Pro-government rally near US embassy
The pro-government demonstration began shortly after sunrise on Havana’s waterfront, as Cuban officials rallied during the week around the island’s revolutionary leader. The 94-year-old former president was not present.
Message conveyed by Gerardo Hernandez
Cuban lawmaker Gerardo Hernandez, described as a national hero and former spy, conveyed a message thanking the Cuban people and friends around the world for their solidarity.
“As long as I live, I will remain at the forefront of the Revolution, with one foot in the stirrup,” Hernandez quoted Castro as saying.
Chants and attendance by Cuban leaders and family
Thousands waved flags during the nearly hour-long rally, chanting “Viva Raul!” and “Patria o Muerte (Homeland or Death)!”.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero attended, along with several of Castro’s family members, including his daughter Mariela Castro, son Alejandro Castro and grandson Raul Rodriguez Castro.
Rodriguez Castro’s recent meeting
Rodriguez Castro, known in Cuba as “Raulito” (Little Raul) or “El Cangrejo” (The Crab), often serves as his grandfather’s bodyguard and met last week with CIA Director John Ratcliffe during a rare visit by a US spy chief to Havana.
Mariela Castro comments on her father’s health
Mariela Castro told Cuban state-run media shortly after the protest that her father was doing fine.
“Raul is doing very well, very calm, like an old guerrilla fighter; he observes and smiles. He always said: ‘No one takes me alive; they’ll catch me fighting,’” she said.
What is your view of the protest held near the US embassy in Havana?