Cubas President Defends Raul Castro Against US Allegations

Havana, May 21: Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has come to the defense of Raul Castro, the leader of the Cuban Revolution, following accusations from the United States. He stated that the allegations against Castro are merely a “political stunt” without any legal basis.

In a post on the social media platform ‘X’, President Diaz-Canel wrote, “The accusations reflect the arrogance and desperation of imperial representatives in the face of the unwavering resolve of the Cuban Revolution and the unity and moral strength of its leadership.”

Earlier, a grand jury in a U.S. district court for southern Florida indicted Raul Castro for his alleged role in ordering the downing of two planes operated by a Cuba-based exile group (Brothers to the Rescue) in 1996.

The Cuban president asserted that the indictment aims to inflate a narrative that justifies military aggression against Cuba. He accused Washington of lying and distorting events related to the downing of small aircraft associated with the “narco-terrorist” organization Brothers to the Rescue.

According to reports from the Xinhua news agency, the president referenced the incident from February 24, 1996, stating that Cuba acted in self-defense within its territorial waters, as members of the Miami-based group repeatedly violated the airspace of the island nation.

He noted that Cuba had issued warnings about these violations more than a dozen times, but the U.S. government ignored those warnings and continued the incursions. He further emphasized that documentary evidence proves Cuba acted responsibly and did not violate international law.

Diaz-Canel remarked, “Castro earned the love of his people as a guerrilla leader and politician, and gained respect and admiration from leaders in this region and around the world. These values serve as his greatest defense against the absurd attempts to diminish his stature as a hero.”

It is important to note that the 94-year-old Castro was serving as the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba at the time of the incident.