Thousands of Cubans protest outside the US Embassy over Raul Castro indictment

Thousands of Cubans gathered in front of the United States Embassy in Havana on Friday (May 22) to protest Washington’s indictment of former president Raul Castro in the case of the shooting down of two civilian aircraft thirty years ago. Raul Castro, now 94, faces charges of murder, conspiracy to murder American nationals, and destruction of aircraft in connection with the incident when Cuban fighter jets shot down two planes over international waters. The demonstration, reportedly attended by more than 200,000 people according to some sources, took place outside the US Embassy in Havana. A senior figure present at the rally was Mariela Castro, Raul Castro’s daughter. In a defiant speech, Mariela Castro said her country was ready to face the enemy at any time. “They (the enemy) say they will come today. Please come. We are waiting here,” she said, rejecting accusations of lying about her father. She also said that no one would kidnap her, a remark apparently referring to an operation against Nicolas Maduro, the then-president of Venezuela, on drug-trafficking charges. The message was read by Gerardo Hernandez, a member of parliament, on behalf of Raul Castro who did not attend the demonstration. Hernandez also stated that Cuba’s response to airspace violations by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue was a lawful act of defence. The prospect of a similar operation against Raul Castro has become an increasing concern for the Cuban government following the indictment. US authorities announced on Wednesday (May 20) federal charges against Raul Castro over the 1996 shooting down of two civilian planes, which killed four people, including three American nationals. On February 24, 1996, Cuban fighter jets shot down two small planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue, killing four people aboard. Cuba claims the planes were in its airspace and justifies the shootdown as an act of self-defence. However, the United States says the aircraft were over international waters, with the International Civil Aviation Organization backing the conclusion that the incident occurred outside Cuban airspace. Source: Anadolu Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan