Raúl Castro Attends Military Promotions Ceremony in Cuba Amid U.S. Indictment

Former Cuban President Raúl Castro participated in a ceremony in Havana to bestow promotions and decorations upon officials of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). The event, marking the 65th anniversary of MININT, was highlighted by current Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel on social media.

"Together with the General of the Army and on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the glorious MININT, we participated in ceremonies of promotions and decorations for chiefs and officers with outstanding careers. Congratulations to all, with deep admiration and gratitude for your noble and sacrificial work," Díaz-Canel posted.

This appearance is Castro's second in public within a two-day span. It follows his indictment on criminal charges in the United States concerning the 1996 downing of two aircraft belonging to the exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Castro, who officially stepped down from his presidential duties in 2018 but remains the "leader at the forefront of the Cuban revolution," was also present at a tribute for his 95th birthday held the previous day at Havana's Carlos Marx theater.

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Together with the General of the Army and on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the glorious MININT, we participated in ceremonies of promotions and decorations for chiefs and officers with outstanding careers. Congratulations to all, with deep admiration and gratitude for your noble and sacrificial work.

Díaz-Canel lauded Castro during the birthday event, describing his 95th birthday as one of the most celebrated on the island. He praised Castro as a military leader and statesman, emphasizing the "high symbolic value" of the former president. "Raúl is Cuba, and Cuba is not to be touched," Díaz-Canel declared, referencing the U.S. indictment against Fidel Castro's younger brother.

The Cuban government has vehemently rejected the U.S. indictment, which was formally filed by federal prosecutors on May 20. Havana has labeled the charges a "farce" intended to justify aggression against the island. The accusation has prompted widespread political events across Cuba in recent weeks, serving as demonstrations of support for Castro and opposition to the U.S. charges, which have led U.S. authorities to consider him a fugitive from justice.

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Raúl is Cuba, and Cuba is not to be touched.