Ruptly
"Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel led a demonstration in front of the US Embassy in Havana on Friday, as thousands gathered to support the former President Raul Castro. The demonstration took place after the US government accused Castro of murder, conspiracy to commit murder against US citizens, and destruction of aircraft, linked to the downing of four Brothers to the Rescue planes 30 years ago. At the event held at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune, Diaz-Canel was accompanied by former Deputy Prime Minister Roberto Morales Ojeda, the President of the National Assembly, Esteban Lazo, and Commander Jose Ramon Machado Ventura. Footage shows demonstrators chanting and waving Cuban flags, as well as holding placards among others reading: 'We will defend this flag, this sky, and this land at any cost' and 'Raul is Raul'. Gerardo Hernandez, recognised as a hero of the Republic of Cuba, insisted on 'defending the homeland' as he expressed support for Raul Castro Ruz. "We know very well, gentlemen of the empire, that this infamous accusation (...) only adds to the desperate efforts of the Miami mafia to justify the ruthless collective punishment against the Cuban people and the threats of armed aggression. But they will not succeed," he stated. For her part, protester Heydi Villuendas lamented the events that occurred "amidst so many economic difficulties due to the intensified blockade" and sent a message to the United States government. "Cuba is a country of peace. Nobody wants a war, much less an invasion against this country. But if we have to, just as we are here today raising our voices, tomorrow we will have to raise our rifles to defend our land," she declared. The US Department of Justice on Wednesday named Raul Castro as one of those allegedly responsible for the downing of aircraft belonging to the Cuban-American exile organisation in 1996, which occurred when he was Cuba's defence minister, and in which four people died, including three US citizens and a permanent resident."
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