On Friday, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, widely recognized as “El Cangrejo,” made an appearance behind Miguel Díaz-Canel at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune José Martí event. This gathering, held in front of the U.S. Embassy in Havana, was organized to show support for his grandfather, Raúl Castro, following criminal charges filed against him by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The presence of El Cangrejo was captured in photographs shared on social media by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and the Cuban Foreign Ministry, where he was seen prominently with other regime leaders, donned in an olive-green military uniform.
Notably absent from the rally was Raúl Castro himself. As he approaches his 95th birthday on June 3rd, Castro did not attend the event held in his honor, prompting a wave of mockery online. Comments such as "Wasn't the honoree present at his own event?" and "Where's the celebrated one? Is there fear?" flooded social media.
Díaz-Canel, clad in combat attire, took to social media to declare, "For Cuba and for Raúl, we stand at the Anti-Imperialist Tribune. Raúl is Raúl."
Meanwhile, Rodríguez Parrilla described the event as "a clear and firm demonstration of unwavering support for the Cuban Revolution and Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, in light of the recent infamous and fraudulent U.S. government accusation against him."
Significance of El Cangrejo's Role
The presence of El Cangrejo at the event holds particular significance due to his dual role. At 41, he is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and has led the General Directorate of Personal Security since 2016, responsible for the direct protection of the former leader.
His duties extend beyond merely serving as a bodyguard. On May 15th, CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana and met with him, alongside the Minister of the Interior and other high-ranking Cuban officials, marking the first high-level U.S. official visit since the Obama era.
This dual capacity—as the protector of the accused and as a negotiator with Washington—makes his presence at the event particularly notable. Interestingly, El Cangrejo was not named in the U.S. sanctions announced on May 8th, suggesting that Washington views him as a valid channel for negotiation.
Backdrop of U.S. Charges Against Raúl Castro
This rally occurred days after the Department of Justice revealed federal charges against Raúl Castro for the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans. The charges include conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens and four counts of homicide.
On the eve of the event, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced progress in negotiations with Cuba, noting Cuba's acceptance of a $100 million humanitarian aid offer tied to political reforms. However, he expressed skepticism about real change occurring while "these people are in charge," labeling Cuba a "failed state."
Understanding the Implications of Raúl Castro's Charges
What are the charges against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro faces charges of conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens and four counts of homicide related to the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes in 1996.
Why is El Cangrejo's presence at the rally significant?
El Cangrejo's presence is significant due to his dual role as a key protector of Raúl Castro and as a negotiator with the United States, highlighting his strategic importance.