Havana—Former Cuban President and General Raúl Castro
reappeared in public this Thursday after several months away from public
events, attending a commemorative ceremony in Havana for the centennial of his
brother Fidel Castro's birth.
At 95 years old, Raúl Castro entered the Karl Marx Theater
dressed in his traditional olive-green uniform and was greeted with a standing
ovation by those in attendance. The event was held under tight security and
brought together representatives and delegations to remember the legacy of the
leader of the Cuban Revolution.
The appearance comes months after the United States
government filed charges against Castro related to the 1996 downing of two
civilian aircraft operated by the Cuban exile group Brothers to the Rescue.
U.S. prosecutors have charged him with crimes including murder, conspiracy to
kill U.S. citizens, and destruction of an aircraft.
Although Raúl Castro stepped down as President of Cuba in
2018 and subsequently relinquished his leadership of the Communist Party, he
continues to be considered an influential figure within the island's political
and military structure.
His reappearance also comes amidst increasing pressure from
Washington on the Cuban government and a profound economic and energy crisis on
the island.