Raul Castro Appears in Public in Havana for 95th Birthday Amid US Indictment

Raul Castro appeared in public in Havana for the first time since a US indictment. Official video released on Saturday showed the former Cuban president at a late Friday event. The gathering marked Castro’s 95th birthday and included senior officials and military leaders. The appearance came as Washington increased pressure on Cuba.

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The celebration took place at the Ministry of Interior in Havana. It came two days after Castro turned 95. Cuba’s government used the event to show unity as fuel shortages worsened. The shortages followed US moves that limited Cuba’s oil supplies in January. Cuba has faced blackouts and a public health crisis.

Raul Castro indictment and Cuba government response

State TV showed Castro wearing an olive-green military uniform. Castro walked into a packed theatre as people stood and applauded. Raul Guillermo Rodríguez, Castro’s grandson and bodyguard, followed closely. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel also entered with the group. The footage offered a rare view of Castro.

The US Justice Department indictment was unsealed last month. It accused Castro of ordering the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft. The planes were flown by Miami-based exiles, according to the case. The accusation followed a May 20 US indictment of Castro on murder charges. The video came after that legal step.

Raul Castro and Miguel Diaz-Canel speech details

Diaz-Canel gave a tribute to Castro and Fidel Castro during the event. Diaz-Canel spoke about the "heroism and dignity\" of both brothers. Fidel Castro was described as the central figure of the Cuban revolution. Diaz-Canel also noted Raul Castro’s long leadership in the armed forces. Raul Castro served as defence minister for nearly 50 years.

Diaz-Canel said Raul Castro faced threats early in life. Diaz-Canel linked those threats to \"the intelligence services of our enemies.\" Diaz-Canel also addressed US warnings more directly. Diaz-Canel said there would be a \"decisive and resolute battle\" if the US acted on threats to invade Cuba. The remarks aligned with the government’s defiant tone.

Diaz-Canel repeated a slogan seen across Havana in recent days. \"Raul is Raul,\" Diaz-Canel said, echoing billboard messages and many social media posts. Diaz-Canel then added: \"Raul is Cuba, and Cuba is untouchable.\" The words appeared aimed at building national unity. The slogan followed the May 20 US indictment.

Raul Castro influence and US demands on Cuba

Castro has kept a low profile in recent years. Castro formally retired from politics in April 2021. Even so, Castro is widely believed to retain strong influence. Friday’s late-night birthday event therefore drew attention across the island. It also gave the government a moment to show internal support.

The US administration has demanded changes from Cuba’s socialist government. It has called for the release of political prisoners and major economic reforms. It has also urged a change in governance to avoid becoming a national security threat. Cuba has rejected that claim and said it poses no threat to the US. The standoff continued as the video circulated.

With inputs from PTI