Raúl Castro reappears publicly after U.S. indictment, attends 95th birthday tribute

Former Cuban President Raúl Castro made his first public appearance since facing U.S. criminal charges, attending a ceremony honoring his 95th birthday in Havana on Friday. Castro, who led Cuba from 2008 to 2018 and remains the "leader at the forefront of the Cuban revolution," was accompanied by President Miguel Díaz-Canel and other high-ranking officials. The event also celebrated the 65th anniversary of the Ministry of the Interior.

Díaz-Canel praised Castro, calling him "Raúl is Cuba and Cuba is not to be touched," in a clear reference to the U.S. indictment. He emphasized Cuba's desire for peace and understanding with the U.S. based on mutual respect, but warned that the island would respond in "legitimate defense" if attacked.

In a message read at the ceremony, Castro urged continued work with "order, control, and responsibility." He had not participated in national repudiation events against his U.S. indictment, which the Cuban government has labeled a "farce" intended to justify aggression. The charges stem from the 1996 downing of two planes belonging to a Cuban exile group.

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Raúl es Cuba y a Cuba no se toca