The Cuban Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) paid tribute to Lina Ruz González, the mother of Fidel and Raúl Castro, by honoring her as a symbol of "courage and resilience" amid the "political persecution" her sons faced before the revolutionary victory. On Wednesday, the ministry commemorated her legacy, stating, "FAR #Cuba remembers August 6, 1963, the day Lina Ruz González passed away. Her sons Fidel and Raúl were the most hunted by the dictatorship, yet she never hid. What immense bravery!" This statement was shared on their official X account (formerly Twitter) alongside the hashtag #100YearsWithFidel.
This celebration of Lina Ruz comes as part of a renewed effort to elevate the personalities of the Cuban Revolution's founders, gaining momentum as the centennial of Fidel Castro's birth approaches in 2026. While the regime highlights Lina Ruz as a devoted and supportive mother, it notably omits the familial strife arising from ideological differences between her sons, Fidel and Raúl, and her exiled daughters, Angela María and Juanita Castro Ruz. Juanita, in particular, became one of the regime's most vocal critics, opposing her brothers' government since the 1960s. She was notably absent from Fidel's official memorial services in 2016.
In contrast to the official portrayal, the division within the Castro family illustrates the broader historical and political split that has affected Cuba for over sixty years. The MINFAR tribute appears less as a mere remembrance and more as a strategic narrative to reinforce the Castro legacy amid increasing social and economic challenges on the island. This narrative sharply contrasts with the plight of thousands of Cuban mothers of political prisoners, who face relentless state violence.
One recent case highlights these struggles: Jenni M. Taboada, the mother of Duannis Dabel León Taboada, a political prisoner from the 11J protests, staged a protest outside the prison demanding to see her son, who was on a hunger strike. After persuading him to end his protest, he was punished with solitary confinement, a situation that left Taboada desperate. She condemned the Cuban government's extreme measures against the families of prisoners of conscience, accusing them of stigmatization and cruel violence.
Understanding the Impact of Lina Ruz's Legacy
Why is Lina Ruz celebrated by the Cuban regime?
Lina Ruz is celebrated for her perceived courage and steadfastness during the political persecution faced by her sons, Fidel and Raúl Castro, before their revolutionary triumph.
How does Juanita Castro's stance differ from her siblings'?
Juanita Castro became a vocal critic of the Cuban regime established by her brothers, opposing the government openly since the 1960s, unlike her siblings who were key figures in the revolution.
What recent event highlights the struggles of Cuban mothers of political prisoners?
The recent case of Jenni M. Taboada, who protested to see her son, a political prisoner, during his hunger strike, underscores the extreme challenges faced by these mothers amidst state violence and oppression.