Solidarity with Cuba Grows in İstanbul: “Cuba Will Win!”

Kemal Okuyan, General Secretary of TKP and Elier Ramírez Cañedo, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, addressed the audience. Emilio Lozada García, Head of the International Relations Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba was also present at the event as the head of the delegation of the Communist Party of Cuba.

The intensification of the U.S. blockade against Cuba under the administration of Donald Trump has once again exposed the persistence of imperialist aggression aimed at forcing the Cuban people to abandon their sovereignty, equality, and socialism. Following the presidential decree issued on January 29, Washington has escalated its long-standing policy of economic, commercial and financial blockade. Yet this pressure has been met with a growing wave of international solidarity.

Elier Ramírez Cañedo and Kemal Okuyan delivered speeches at the event.

Kemal Okuyan: “We stand with anyone who defies U.S. imperialism”

Kemal Okuyan framed solidarity with Cuba as a principled and political position rooted in anti-imperialism.“Anti-communism and hostility to socialism are the most dangerous virus in the world… we need to remind ourselves why we stand in solidarity with Cuba, so that we can strengthen that solidarity even further,” he said.

Referring to recent regional developments and imperialist aggression towards Iran, Okuyan stressed that resistance to imperialism transcends political differences: “We have no political affinity with the regime in Iran – but didn’t everyone here feel a sense of excitement at Iran’s resistance? Didn’t our humanity rise up?” He emphasized that this constitutes a fundamental principle: “We stand in solidarity with anyone who defies U.S. imperialism.”

“Yes to Cuba, no to barbarism”

Describing Cuba as a “developed society” in terms of human values rather than material indicators, Okuyan pointed to the achievements of the revolution: “Through its education system, healthcare, culture, and people, Cuba created a developed society… and now they want to destroy that by depriving Cuba of its material means.” He characterized the current situation as a direct confrontation: “A clash between a developed Cuban society and barbarism… Yes to Cuba, no to barbarism.

Cuba’s values, leadership and internationalism

Okuyan also highlighted the moral and political values embodied by the Cuban Revolution: “The values represented in Cuba do not oppress people- they elevate them. That is why we stand in solidarity with Cuba.” Referring to revolutionary leadership, he recalled figures such as Fidel Castro and Che Guevara as enduring symbols of struggle.

He further emphasized Cuba’s internationalist role, from its support in Angola to the deployment of Cuban doctors to Türkiye after the earthquake: “Wherever help was needed, Cuba rushed to stand with people… Cuba has been carrying humanity on its shoulders for decades.”

“This is a class struggle”

Okuyan framed the pressure on Cuba as part of a global class conflict: “This is a struggle between workers and the poor on one side, and multinational monopolies on the other… Behind the attacks on Cuba lies capitalism and imperialism.”  He stressed that the United States demands Cuba abandon its independence and socialism, while Cuba continues to resist despite severe conditions.

“Cubans do not surrender”

Concluding his remarks, Okuyan emphasized the resilience and determination of the Cuban people: “Cubans do not surrender… They continue to live, struggle and resist despite all difficulties. No one should expect Cuba to give up its spirit.” He added that strengthening international solidarity is essential to increasing the political cost of aggression against Cuba and preventing further escalation.

Ramírez Cañedo: “Cuba will never surrender”

Elier Ramírez Cañedo placed Cuba’s current struggle within a broader historical and ideological framework, emphasizing the enduring influence of Fidel Castro. “Fidel’s example is shared by millions… Today, these millions continue the struggle both in Cuba and across the world,” he said, underlining that the Cuban Revolution not only ensured a fairer distribution of wealth but also achieved a profound cultural and social transformation.

Bay of Pigs and the legacy of resistance

Marking April 19 as the anniversary of the Bay of Pigs Invasion, Ramírez Cañedo recalled the decisive defeat of U.S.-backed forces:“Sixty-five years ago, a small people defeated the world’s greatest power in less than 72 hours… Bay of Pigs showed that imperialism is not invincible.” He described this experience as a “strategic memory” for today, as Cuba faces an intensified blockade aimed at crippling its energy and economic systems.

“Either socialist Cuba or death”

Concluding his speech, Ramírez Cañedo stressed the gravity of current conditions: “Cuba is standing. Cuba will never surrender… Either socialist Cuba or death.” He emphasized that Cuba’s struggle is inseparable from the global struggle for justice, adding that international solidarity remains vital in the face of escalating pressure. “As José Martí said, whoever rises up for Cuba rises up for all humanity.”

Following the speeches, the event concluded with performances of songs by Yürüyen Merdiven, Gülcan Altan, An Vokal, Ayşe Tütüncü and Hakely Nakao Chavez Öztürk.