Raúl Castro Public Appearance

Former Cuban President Raúl Castro makes rare public appearance amid mounting U.S. sanctions.

Former Cuban President Raúl Castro made a public appearance at a military event celebrating the anniversary of an army branch that protects its top leaders. The 95-year-old, who no longer holds a formal position in government or in the Communist Party, was joined by his bodyguard and grandson, Raúal Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, who also participated in talks with the United States earlier this year. The talks have since halted, while sanctions have increased in recent months. In June, the U.S. Department of Justice filed murder charges against Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of a plane belonging to an anti-Castro organization.