Cuban comedian Javier Berridy has taken social media by storm with a viral video on Facebook. The parody features a desperate Raúl Castro, played by Berridy, receiving a call from Donald Trump and pleading to remain "in power for just a couple more years."
During the sketch, the fictional Raúl Castro panics when Trump introduces himself, pleading not to be ousted: "Clinging to power? Sixty years is nothing!" In response, Trump threatens action and demands Castro "remove all the bad."
Collecting over 62,000 views, this video emerges as Raúl Castro's name reappears in the news, albeit for more serious reasons than comedy. Recently, the Associated Press disclosed that the U.S. Department of Justice is preparing formal criminal charges against Castro for the February 24, 1996, downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, resulting in the death of four Cuban-Americans.
Potential Legal Action Against Raúl Castro
Reports indicate that charges might be filed by May 20, a significant date in Cuban history marking the proclamation of the Republic. When questioned aboard Air Force One, Trump neither confirmed nor denied these claims, leaving the Department of Justice to address the matter.
At 94, Raúl Castro has never set foot on American soil, and with no extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States, some fear a possible military operation similar to the one targeting Maduro in Venezuela.
A Satirical Reflection of Reality
The video portrays an elderly leader clinging to his position, a depiction not far from reality. Despite stepping down as president in 2018 and leaving the helm of the Communist Party in 2021, Raúl Castro remains seen as the real power in Havana. The military-business conglomerate GAESA, which falls under his influence, controls about 60% of Cuba's economy.
Berridy has produced similar content before. In January, a nearly identical sketch featured a pleading Raúl Castro asking Trump not to attack Cuba and to take Díaz-Canel instead. That same month, a musical parody titled "Donald Trump, Take Canel" styled after "We Are the World" garnered over 56,000 likes on Facebook.
Political Satire as a Tool for Cuban Exiles
Political humor among the Cuban diaspora has found a rich vein in Trump's figure and the pressure he exerts on the regime. Using laughter as a means of protest and collective catharsis against decades of dictatorship, these parodies resonate deeply.
Meanwhile, Cuba faces its most severe crisis in decades: power outages exceeding 1,000 MW daily, widespread food shortages, and a projected GDP decline of 1.9% for 2024, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).
Analyst Camilo Loret de Mola puts it bluntly: "Everything goes through the hands of Raúl Castro."
Frequently Asked Questions About Raúl Castro and U.S. Legal Actions
What charges is Raúl Castro facing in the United States?
Raúl Castro is potentially facing formal criminal charges from the U.S. Department of Justice related to the 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes, which resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans.
Why is May 20 significant in Cuban history?
May 20 marks the proclamation of the Cuban Republic, a pivotal moment in the nation's history, and is seen as a symbolic date for the potential filing of charges against Raúl Castro.
What impact does GAESA have on the Cuban economy?
GAESA, a military-business conglomerate influenced by Raúl Castro, controls approximately 60% of Cuba's economy, highlighting his continued power despite officially stepping down from leadership roles.