Key Takeaways
- Tens of thousands of Cubans demonstrated outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana to protest the killing of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela and demand the release of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
- The protest was organized by the Cuban government as tensions between Cuba and the U.S. escalate following the U.S. attack on Venezuela.
- Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel spoke at the demonstration, condemning the U.S. administration and its policies towards Cuba.
- The U.S. has maintained sanctions against Cuba since the 1960s, which have been tightened during Trump’s presidency, causing economic struggles for the island.
- Cuba is open to dialogue and improving relations with the U.S., but only on equal terms and based on mutual respect.
Introduction to the Protest
Tens of thousands of Cubans gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana on Friday to protest the killing of 32 Cuban officers in Venezuela and demand the release of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The protest was organized by the Cuban government as tensions between Cuba and the U.S. continue to escalate following the U.S. attack on Venezuela on January 3. The crowd filled the open-air "José Martí Anti-Imperialist" plaza, waving large Cuban flags and carrying portraits of the slain officers.
The Reason Behind the Protest
The 32 Cuban officers were part of Maduro’s security detail and were killed during the raid on his residence in Caracas. The U.S. attack was aimed at seizing Maduro and bringing him to the U.S. to face drug trafficking charges. The killing of the Cuban officers has sparked outrage in Cuba, with many viewing it as an act of aggression by the U.S. government. René González, a 64-year-old protester, expressed his sentiments, saying, "Humanity is experiencing something very complex, and (the US) is governed by a president who considers himself an emperor." He added, "We must show him that ideas are worth more than weapons."
The Cuban Government’s Response
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel spoke at the demonstration, condemning the U.S. administration and its policies towards Cuba. He stated, "The current U.S. administration has opened the door to an era of barbarism, plunder and neo-fascism." Díaz-Canel also addressed the crowd, saying, "No one here surrenders. The current emperor of the White House and his infamous secretary of state haven’t stopped threatening me." He emphasized that Cuba will not make any political concessions and that any negotiations with the U.S. must be based on equal terms and mutual respect.
The History of U.S.-Cuba Relations
The U.S. has maintained a policy of sanctions against Cuba since the 1960s, aimed at pressuring 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, causing significant economic struggles for Cuba. Díaz-Canel emphasized that Cuba will not be intimidated by the U.S. and will continue to defend its independence and sovereignty.
The Demonstration and Parade
After Díaz-Canel’s speech, the demonstration transitioned into a parade, known as 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, and the crowd chanted slogans such as "Down with imperialism!" and "Cuba will prevail!" The demonstration was a show of popular strength and unity, with Cubans from all walks of life participating.
The Funeral and Memorial Services
The remains of the 32 officers arrived in Cuba on Thursday morning and were scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday afternoon in various cemeteries following memorial ceremonies in all of Cuba’s provincial capitals. The funeral and memorial services were an opportunity for Cubans to pay their respects to the slain officers and to express their outrage and condemnation of the U.S. attack.
Conclusion
The protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Havana was a significant event, marking a escalation in tensions between Cuba and the U.S. The Cuban government’s response to the U.S. attack on Venezuela has been strong, with President Díaz-Canel condemning the U.S. administration and its policies. The demonstration and parade showed the unity and strength of the Cuban people, and the funeral and memorial services provided an opportunity for Cubans to pay their respects to the slain officers. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the U.S. and Cuba will navigate their complex and often contentious relationship.
