On Thursday, October 17, 2025, a pivotal meeting took place at Casa de las Américas in Havana, marking the launch of a new phase for the Network of Artists and Intellectuals in Defense of Humanity. Established in 2003 by Commanders Fidel Castro Ruz and Hugo Chávez Frías, the Network aims to unite left-wing thinkers globally to counter neo-fascism and imperialist threats. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, alongside prominent intellectuals and activists, emphasized the urgency of defending humanist values and fostering solidarity in the face of global challenges. The meeting, held in the Che Guevara Room, lasted nearly four hours and focused on revitalizing the Network’s mission. Díaz-Canel highlighted the need for unity among leftist movements, particularly in Latin America, to resist military and ideological aggression. He also condemned the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the media attacks against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The newly elected general coordinator of the Network, Miguel Pérez Pirela, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of ideas, beauty, and solidarity in combating barbarism. The event also featured contributions from Cuban and international intellectuals, who discussed the role of culture, science, and ethics in shaping a progressive future. The gathering underscored the Network’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, digital literacy, and revolutionary praxis as tools for social transformation.
标签: Cuba
古巴
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Today to think is to fight, to publish is to resist
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Party’s Central Committee, delivered a compelling address at the Third International Meeting of Theoretical Publications of Left-wing Parties and Movements. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of global struggles, Díaz-Canel asserted that threats to any nation are threats to all, urging left-wing forces worldwide to mobilize consciousness and foster strategic political communication. He highlighted the importance of international solidarity in achieving ideological sovereignty, which he described as not only territorial but also symbolic, cultural, and spiritual. The Cuban leader called for unity in the fight against global capitalism, stressing the need for a counterpoint to colonization. His remarks followed a keynote lecture by French-Spanish professor Ignacio Ramonet, who explored the challenges posed by quantum artificial superintelligence and the rapid advancements in technology. Ramonet warned of the risks of misinformation and manipulation while acknowledging the opportunities these technologies present for progressive forces. Díaz-Canel underscored the revolutionary nature of the meeting, describing it as a space for holistic debate on contemporary issues, rooted in socialist construction and the will to transform the world. He praised the efforts of left-wing parties and movements operating in capitalist societies and those building socialism, emphasizing the need to harness technology for emancipatory purposes. The Cuban president also proposed the creation of an international network of left-wing publications to coordinate efforts against imperialist media offensives, promote ideological unity, and train new generations of revolutionary communicators. The event, part of the Centennial celebrations of Fidel Castro Ruz, served as a platform to honor his legacy and inspire collective action for a better world.
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A magazine about socialist Cuba and that better possible world
Cuba Socialista, the theoretical and political magazine of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, has unveiled its special 2024-2025 issue, coinciding with the Third Edition of the International Meeting of Theoretical Publications of Leftist Parties and Movements in Havana. This edition marks the beginning of the commemorations for the 100th anniversary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, set to be celebrated in 2026. The commemorative program was officially presented on August 13, 2025, in Birán, Castro’s birthplace. The issue features a speech by Roberto Morales Ojeda, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of Organization of the Party’s Central Committee, delivered during the program’s launch. Additionally, the magazine honors the founders of the first Communist Party of Cuba in its centenary year and includes key speeches from the Second International Meeting of Theoretical Publications of Left-wing Parties and Movements. A significant highlight is the report and closing remarks by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee and President of Cuba, which underscore the depth of the debates and the principled positions adopted during the event. The issue also dedicates space to solidarity with the Palestinian people, reflecting the voices of over 100,000 Havana residents who protested against Israel’s actions in Gaza on October 9th. Furthermore, it commemorates the centenary of Vladimir Lenin’s passing, leader of the First Socialist Revolution. This special edition also kicks off the magazine’s 65th-anniversary celebrations, which will culminate in 2026 alongside the 9th Congress of the Communist Party and Fidel Castro’s centennial.
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From Cuba, the voices of the left
This week, Havana is set to host two significant international events: the Third International Meeting of Theoretical Publications of Left-Wing Parties and Movements and the First Granma Rebelde Festival. Both events are dedicated to commemorating the centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. The first event will take place from October 15 to 17 at the Ñico López Party University, while the festival will run from the afternoon of October 17 until October 19 at Línea and 18 in Havana’s Vedado neighborhood. These closely linked events will bring together over 100 participants from more than 30 countries, focusing on collective strategies, critical issues, and promoting equality, solidarity, and participatory democracy. The Publications Meeting, convened by Cuba Socialista and co-sponsored by the Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity and Casa de las Américas, will feature prominent intellectuals, activists, and political scientists, including Ignacio Ramonet, who will deliver the keynote address on the challenges posed to the left by quantum artificial intelligence. Other notable attendees include Mexican artist and philosopher Fernando Buen Abad, Cuban scholar Isabel Monal, José Luis Centella of the Communist Party of Spain, and Miguel Ángel Pérez Pirela, director of La Iguana TV. High-level delegations from China and Vietnam will also be present. The event will include simultaneous workshops and panels on topics such as new types of fascism, political communication, and youth for a better future. Additionally, there will be a presentation of books on the thinking of various leaders and the launch of the 2024-2025 issue of Cuba Socialista, summarizing the previous edition of the Meeting. The Granma Rebelde Festival, dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Granma and Juventud Rebelde newspapers, as well as the centenaries of the first Communist Party and Fidel Castro Ruz, will feature media experiences from across the island and abroad. Prestigious artists and musicians will enliven the event, with activities open to the public on weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. These activities will include several panels, such as one on the figure of Fidel Castro, where journalists who knew him will exchange views.
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José Daniel Ferrer García leaves the country at the request of the U.S. government
On October 13, 2025, Cuban citizen José Daniel Ferrer García, accompanied by his family, departed from Cuba to the United States. This move followed a formal request from the U.S. government and Ferrer García’s explicit consent, in accordance with the legal protocols established between the two nations. The decision was underpinned by a comprehensive evaluation by the Cuban Prosecutor’s Office, which considered Ferrer García’s legal status, adherence to due process, and the unique circumstances of his case. Earlier in January 2025, Ferrer García had been granted early release from a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence. However, this privilege was revoked in April 2025 due to repeated violations of court-mandated obligations as per the Criminal Enforcement Law and its Regulations. Subsequently, Ferrer García was placed under provisional detention by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, pending charges for a new crime. Upon completing the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office modified the precautionary measure. The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the nation’s steadfast commitment to the rule of law, the protection of individual rights, the defense of sovereignty against defamation, and the maintenance of peace and constitutional order.
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Military action against Venezuela must be stopped
Cuba has issued a stark warning regarding the intensifying actions by the United States government against Venezuela, which it claims are aimed at overthrowing President Nicolás Maduro Moros’s constitutional government. According to Cuban authorities, the U.S. seeks to install a compliant regime that would grant access to Venezuela’s vast oil reserves, other critical natural resources, and even its sovereignty. This alarming escalation follows recent incidents, including the illegal destruction of vessels at sea—allegedly involved in drug trafficking but of uncertain origin—and the killing of their crews. The U.S. has hinted at a new phase of military operations targeting land-based objectives, raising fears of an imminent threat to Venezuela’s stability. Cuba has condemned these actions as legally and morally unjustifiable, emphasizing that the U.S. pretexts for military aggression are baseless and rooted in falsehoods. The Venezuelan government has also revealed a foiled plot to attack the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, allegedly orchestrated by right-wing extremists to provoke a U.S. military response. Cuba has called upon the international community to intervene and prevent further military escalation, reaffirming its unwavering support for Venezuela’s Bolivarian government and the unity of its people. The statement underscores the need for Latin America and the Caribbean to remain a Zone of Peace, free from external interference.
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In Cuba, the cry for Palestine is always heard
Cuba has once again raised its voice in solidarity with Palestine, condemning the ongoing violence and calling for peace in the region. The island nation, known for its unwavering commitment to justice and the defense of life, has made it clear that it will not be swayed by those who align themselves with the powerful at the expense of human dignity. The recent escalation of violence in Gaza, marked by the devastating impact of Zionist aggression, has left millions of innocent men, women, children, and elderly people in a state of despair and fear. The Cuban government and its people have expressed their profound sorrow over the suffering of their Palestinian brothers and sisters, emphasizing that shared pain transcends borders. In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, thousands of Cubans gathered at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune in Havana to demand an end to the bloodshed and to call for the restoration of dignity to the Palestinian people. Across the country, acts of solidarity have been organized, driven by the belief that true justice in the region can only be achieved when the cycle of violence and hatred is broken. Cuba’s stance reflects its long-standing principle that silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and it continues to advocate for peace and human rights on the global stage.
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Scarves and furrows, for a better Cuba
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel embarked on a significant tour across the municipalities of Ciego de Ávila and Sancti Spíritus on October 8, 2025, engaging in both educational and agricultural activities. The day began with a heartfelt ceremony at the Antonio Maceo primary school in Chambas, where Díaz-Canel participated in the traditional placement of blue scarves on first graders, symbolizing their entry into the Moncadista Pioneers. The school, boasting 100% teacher coverage and strong academic results, exemplifies Cuba’s commitment to education despite economic challenges. The President emphasized the importance of nurturing young minds as the foundation of the nation’s future. Following the school visit, Díaz-Canel inspected the Nguyen Van Troi Sand Production Plant, where he discussed the production of materials essential for infrastructure projects, including photovoltaic parks and housing. He highlighted the need for innovation and workforce stability amid the country’s energy crisis. The tour continued to the El Tesoro farm, a major rice producer, where Díaz-Canel underscored the goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice to reduce imports and bolster the agricultural sector. He also visited the La Candelaria farm, which produces preserves and biofertilizers, and the Pina collection center, a key player in hydrocarbon extraction. In Sancti Spíritus, the President visited La Belkys Farm, focusing on crop diversification and food security. The day concluded with a visit to a sugarcane field and a machinery workshop, where Díaz-Canel emphasized the importance of agricultural machinery in supporting Cuba’s sugar industry. Throughout the tour, the President reiterated the government’s commitment to education, innovation, and agricultural self-sufficiency, drawing parallels to the legacy of Che Guevara in fostering a stronger and more humane Cuba.
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Acts of solidarity with Palestine to be held in Cuba
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Cuba will witness a series of solidarity events in support of Palestine, reflecting the enduring bond between the two nations. The main event in Havana will take place at the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Tribune, commencing at 7:30 a.m. and will be broadcast live on Cuban television as part of the ‘Buenos Días’ program. This initiative underscores Cuba’s unwavering condemnation of what it describes as the Israeli genocide against Palestinians, a crisis that continues to evoke global outrage due to the escalating violence and humanitarian suffering. The historical ties between Cuba and Palestine, rooted in the leadership of the late Commander-in-Chief, have evolved into a profound connection between their peoples. These events serve as a reminder of Cuba’s commitment to advocating for justice and peace in the region.
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No concessions to oblivion
On the 49th anniversary of the tragic bombing of Cubana de Aviación flight CU-1201, Cuba paid solemn tribute to the 73 victims at the Colón Necropolis in Havana. The mid-flight explosion in 1976 claimed the lives of 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese, and five North Koreans, marking one of the darkest chapters in the nation’s history. The annual commemoration saw floral tributes placed on behalf of prominent figures, including Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, and various Cuban institutions. Families of the victims, alongside officials and citizens, gathered to honor the memory of those lost. Wilfredo Pérez Rodríguez, son of the flight’s captain, shared his enduring grief, emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the victims and condemning the U.S. government’s alleged protection of the perpetrators. The ceremony also highlighted the unfulfilled dreams of the victims, including young athletes and crew members, whose lives were tragically cut short. The event underscored Cuba’s ongoing struggle against terrorism and its call for justice, as the island continues to grapple with the repercussions of this historic atrocity.
