Friday morning at Havana’s Anti-Imperialist Tribune
Pro government rally on Friday May 22, 2026 in Havana. Photo: Abel Padrón Padilla/Cubadebate.
By Circles Robinson
HAVANA TIMES – Thousands of Cuban government supporters rallied at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Havana on Friday morning in support of the Communist Party government. Convoked by the Communist Youth and other pro-government organizations they rejected the US bringing charges against Raul Castro for ordering the murder of three US citizens and one permanent resident back in 1996.
While the 94-year-old brother of the late Fidel Castro did not attend the gathering, he sent a message in appreciation for the “heartfelt” popular support. While no longer holding his past positions as Army Chief and President, Raul is still considered to be the most powerful person in Cuba, while his hand-picked successor, Miguel Diaz Canel exercises officially as the country’s president and Communist Party leader.
Raul Castro, was charged in the United States on May 20, 2026, for ordering the murder of the crew of two planes of the Florida based group Hermanos de Rescate back in 1996. Castro is credited with giving the orders to shoot down the small aircraft claiming they were in Cuba airspace, a highly disputed contention.
The rally was also called to celebrate Raul Castro’s 95th upcoming birthday on June 3rd. Most of Cuba top government and Communist Party leaders were present.
President Miguel Diaz Canel (c) and other top Cuban government and Communist Party leaders were at this morning’s rally in Havana. Photo: Abel Padrón Padilla/Cubadebate.
President Miguel Diaz Canel headed up the gathering. “The heroes of the Homeland are not disrespected; history and traditions are not offended without a response. Not in Cuba,” he emphasized, according to the statement disseminated by the country’s government media and digital platforms.
Diaz Cenel further noted that, despite the daily difficulties and shortages—caused primarily by the US blockade—the Cuban people have managed to rise above them and remain united in the face of attempts to subject the leader of the Revolution to legal proceedings in US courts.
“This new aggression has united us even more and has heightened the honor, dignity, and anti-imperialist spirit of a people already recognized worldwide for their brave resistance to any form of subordination to the empire,” he underscored.
Diaz Canel has previously stated that all of Cuba is ready to give their lives if necessary to repel a US military aggression if ordered by Donald Trump.
One of several speakers addressed Raul Castro concluding with: “All of Cuba is with you; we will always be faithful to you.”
Read more from Cuba here on Havana Times.
