Massive Havana Rally Denounces US Actions Against Raúl Castro

DID Press: Tens of thousands of Cubans gathered in Havana to protest against United States actions targeting Raúl Castro and to condemn Washington’s longstanding sanctions on Cuba.

According to reports, more than 250,000 people attended the rally held Friday at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Platform along Havana’s waterfront. The event was led by Miguel Díaz-Canel and coincided with the country’s National Defense Day.

Gerardo Hernández, national coordinator of the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, said the demonstration reflected widespread public opposition to what he described as a “provocative political move by Washington.”

He argued that the United States had no legitimacy to bring accusations against Raúl Castro and accused Washington of distorting the 1996 incident involving the downing of two aircraft belonging to the exile group “Brothers to the Rescue.”

According to Hernández, the aircraft had repeatedly violated Cuban airspace, and Havana acted in self-defense after issuing multiple warnings to the United States.

Meanwhile, Lauren Luis said she joined the rally to defend the Cuban Revolution and support Raúl Castro, describing the US indictment as “baseless and illegitimate.”

A Cuban participant identified as Aleida Ramírez said she attended the march in defense of Cuba’s independence and socialist system, adding: “We will not allow Donald Trump or anyone else to rule this country.”