Thousands of Cubans gathered outside the US embassy in Havana today to protest against what they denounced as US aggression in the region following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, a Cuban ally.
They demonstrated outside the US Embassy in Havana to also decry the killing of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela and demand that the US government release Maduro.
The 32 Cuban officers were part of Maduro’s security detail killed during the raid on his residence in Caracas to seize the former leader and bring him to the US to face drug trafficking charges.
The demonstration was organized a day after tens of thousands of Cubans gathered at the headquarters of the Ministry of the Armed Forces to pay their respects to the 32 officers slain.
Their remains arrived home yesterday morning, and they are scheduled to be laid to rest on this afternoon in various cemeteries following memorial ceremonies in all of Cuba’s provincial capitals.
The protest also comes as tensions between Cuba and the US spike following the US Jan. 3 attack on Venezuela. Both sides have ratcheted up political rhetoric in recent days, marking a new low in long frosty relations between the US and communist-run Cuba, which lies 90 miles (145 km)from the shores of Florida.
The people crowded into the open-air “José Martí Anti-Imperialist” plaza across from the embassy in a rally organized by the Cuban government.
Cuba’s national hymn rang out at the demonstration as large Cuban flags waved in the chilly wind.
The demonstration was a show of popular strength after US President Donald Trump recently demanded that Cuba make a deal with him before it is “too late.” He did not explain what kind of deal.
Trump also has said that Cuba will no longer live off Venezuela’s oil and money. Diaz-Canel said after Trump’s comments that Cuba would defend its homeland “to the last drop of blood.”
Experts say that the move could have catastrophic consequences since Cuba is already struggling with severe blackouts
President Miguel Díaz-Canel shook hands with members of the crowd clad in jackets and scarves before speaking to them. He asserted that the current US administration has “opened the door to an era of barbarism, plunder and neo-fascism.”
“No one here surrenders. The current emperor of the White House and his infamous secretary of state haven’t stopped threatening me.”
Miguel Díaz-Canel
Cubans Urged To Remain United
Moreover, he called on Cubans to remain united in the face of US pressure. “No, imperialists, we have absolutely no fear of you…and we don`t like to be threatened,” he said, turning to wave his finger at the embassy building. “You will not intimidate us,” he added.
“Cuba does not have to make any political concessions, and that will never be on the table for negotiations aimed at reaching an understanding between Cuba and the United States
“It is important that they understand this. We will always be open to dialogue and improving relations between our two countries, but only on equal terms and based on mutual respect.”
After the President’s speech, the demonstration transitioned into a parade that Cubans call a “combatant march,” a custom that originated during the time of the late leader Fidel Castro.
The crowd was led by a line of people holding pictures of the 32 officers killed.
Washington has maintained a policy of sanctions against Cuba since the 1960s to pressure the island’s government to improve its human rights record, end its one-party communist system and allow democracy.
The sanctions have been further tightened during Trump’s presidency, suffocating the island’s economy.
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