In a scenario reminiscent of Díaz-Canel's actions on July 11th, when he unleashed the regime's forces against mostly peaceful protesters, it seems a new directive has been issued. This time, however, the battleground is social media. "The order to combat Sandro Castro has been given. Rise, revolutionary clarias, to the networks!" Within 48 hours, a well-coordinated campaign emerged to "destroy" the "poor Sandro."
Columns, social media posts, live streams, and ideological sermons poured in against the Commander’s grandson. Accusations of frivolity, stupidity, betrayal, and provocation were thrown at him. He was blamed for tarnishing his grandfather’s image, offending the Cuban people, and mocking the power outages. The message was clear: Sandro represents a dangerous symbol that must be neutralized. But why now? And why only him?
The Perfect Scapegoat
Sandro Castro is an easy target. He holds no official position, wields no power, and is not affiliated with any institution beyond his last name. He is neither an official, a military officer, nor a diplomat. He lacks useful connections. What he does have is a phone, followers, and a surname that made him go viral. He is flashy, outspoken, and loves to show off. He flaunts his Audi, toasts with whiskey, and throws jabs at UNE while the nation grapples with blackouts. Indeed, he is a grotesque symbol of privilege... but not the only one. He serves well as a scapegoat.
The Untouchable Elite
As Sandro is publicly torn apart, other members of the Castro family live even more scandalous lives of luxury, shielded by silence. There are no columns from El Necio, no posts from Henry Omar or Ernesto Limia, no ideological reflections in Cubadebate questioning any of the Castro heirs. Those who criticize Sandro lack the courage and principles to challenge the true privileged ones, knowing that doing so would cross a line that the regime forbids.
Sandro, not formally linked to the state apparatus, acts as the symbolic victim. No one criticized Antonio Castro’s yacht vacations in Greek islands or his behavior akin to a sheikh. Nor did they voice against Vilma Rodríguez’s (a Castro granddaughter) luxurious mansion in Miramar, or Mariela's lavish renovations performed with complete impunity. Raúl Guillermo “El Cangrejo’s” life of parties, yachts, and models remains unmentioned. The stepson of Díaz-Canel, living lavishly in Spain, is also off-limits, despite not being a Castro, he is the "president's" stepson. They are all invisible in critical discourse because they are untouchable.
A Convenient Distraction
Sandro is sacrificed because he doesn’t matter, and his downfall serves to shield the rest. Sandro is not the issue. He is the alibi. The attack on him channels popular anger towards a target without institutional weight, protecting the rest of the family while preserving the mystique of the Castro name. This faux critique also allows the appearance of self-examination while safeguarding those who truly hold power. The journalists attacking him are not brave; they are tools of the system. They assail Sandro because he has no defense, and by doing so, they reinforce the protection of the elite.
Cuba is not a land of equals. It never was. Now, they don’t even pretend it is. There is a familial, hereditary elite, shielded from scrutiny. There are untouchable last names. There are privileges in real estate, economy, symbolism, and politics. And there is a compliant press that only dares to target the hapless Sandro while remaining silent about the Castros who truly matter. So, when you see one of these "revolutionary critics" pointing an indignant finger at Sandro, don’t be fooled: they are not breaking away from the elite. They are protecting it.
Insight into Cuba's Political Climate
Why is Sandro Castro targeted instead of other family members?
Sandro Castro is targeted because he lacks formal ties to the state and does not hold any power, making him an easy scapegoat. His downfall serves to distract from the privileges enjoyed by other family members who are more deeply entrenched in the regime.
How does the regime protect the Castro family?
The regime protects the Castro family by maintaining a media silence around their lifestyles and shielding them from public criticism, while allowing figures like Sandro to take the fall and divert attention from those with real power.
What role does the media play in Cuba's political system?
The media in Cuba often acts as an instrument of the state, promoting narratives that protect the elite while attacking less significant figures like Sandro Castro to create a facade of accountability and critique.