Cuba Ex-President Raul Castro Makes First Public Appearance Since US Indictment

Former Cuban president Raul Castro made his first public appearance since the United States indicted him over the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft, joining senior government and military officials at a ceremony marking his 95th birthday and the 65th anniversary of Cuba's Interior Ministry in Havana.

State television showed Castro, dressed in his trademark olive-green military uniform, receiving a standing ovation as he entered the venue alongside his grandson and bodyguard, Raul Guillermo Rodríguez, and President Miguel Diaz-Canel . The event became a show of unity by Cuba's leadership amid escalating tensions with Washington.

In a lengthy tribute, Diaz-Canel praised Castro and his late brother Fidel Castro as architects of the Cuban Revolution and described the former president as a guiding figure during what he called a critical moment for the nation. He said Castro's "courage and loyalty" had made him a target of hostile forces for decades.

The Cuban leader also sharply criticized recent US actions, including new sanctions and the indictment against Castro, warning that Cuba would respond decisively to any threat to its sovereignty. Echoing a slogan that has appeared across Havana since the charges were announced, Diaz-Canel declared, "Raul is Cuba, and Cuba is untouchable." He also reiterated Havana's willingness to engage in dialogue with Washington, provided it is based on mutual respect and national sovereignty.

The indictment, unsealed on May 20, accuses Castro and five others of conspiracy, murder and destruction of aircraft in connection with the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes , in which four people were killed. The Trump administration has vowed to pursue the case, marking one of the sharpest deteriorations in US-Cuba relations in years.

Although Castro formally retired in 2021 after leading Cuba from 2008 to 2018 and serving decades as defence minister, he remains an influential figure within the ruling establishment. His appearance came amid Cuba's worsening fuel shortages, blackouts and economic challenges, which Havana blames in part on tighter US pressure and sanctions. Reuters reported that Castro had previously appeared at May Day celebrations in Havana and at a January ceremony honouring Cuban soldiers, underscoring his continued symbolic role in Cuban politics despite his retirement.