Thousands Protest in Havana Over US Indictment of Raúl Castro

(MENAFN) Large crowds gathered Friday outside the Embassy of the United States, Havana to condemn Washington’s decision to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro over the destruction of two civilian aircraft nearly 30 years ago.

The 94-year-old former leader is facing accusations that include murder, conspiracy to kill Americans, and destruction of aircraft related to an incident in which Cuban military jets brought down the planes over international waters.

The rally took place outside the US diplomatic mission in Havana, with some reports estimating attendance at more than 200,000 people. Among those present was Mariela Castro, the daughter of Raúl Castro.

In a written message delivered to the crowd, Castro said he would continue to remain “at the forefront of the revolution with one foot in the stirrup” for as long as he lives.

The statement was read aloud by lawmaker Gerardo Hernandez in Castro’s absence, as the former president did not attend the demonstration. Hernandez also defended Cuba’s response to incursions by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue, describing it as “an act of legitimate defense.”

During a fiery address at the rally, Mariela Castro declared that Cuba was ready to “fight the enemy” whenever necessary, adding that “they said they were coming today ... come on, here we are waiting,” while rejecting the accusations against her father as fabricated.

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