Fidel Castro, August 13, 1926 – November 25, 2016.

“Cuban Revolutionary Leader Fidel Castro, it has been announced has passed away.

RSF Ard Chomhairle members at the ‘Che’ Guevara commemoraton in July.

 Republican Sinn Féin offer their condolences to the people of Cuba, Fidel was an example to the anti-imperialist in the fight against capitalist domination, exploitation and colonialism.

Leading the Cuban revolution he ensured that Cuba became as James Connolly had hoped Ireland would become after our revolution in 1916, “a beacon light to the oppressed of every land”.  On Calle O’Reilly/Sráid Ó Raghallaigh in the old Havana district there is a plaque which says;

“Dos pueblos insulares en el mismo mar de lucha y esperanza, Cuba e Irlanda”

“Dhá phobail oileán san fharraige céanna de streachailt agus tá súil agam, Cúba agus in Éirinn.”

“Two island peoples in the same sea of struggle and hope, Cuba and Ireland.”

Speaking about the war in the occupied six counties and the struggle of republican and socialist POWs in Long Kesh in the fight for political status, Fidel once stated;

 “…We cannot ignore what is happening in Northern Ireland.  I feel it is my duty to refer to this problem. In my opinion, Irish patriots are writing one of the most heroic chapters in human history.

They have earned the respect and admiration of the world, and likewise they deserve its support. Ten of them have already died in the most moving gesture of sacrifice, selflessness and courage one could ever imagine.

Humanity should feel ashamed that this terrible crime is being committed before its very eyes. These young fighters do not ask for independence or make impossible demands to put an end to their strike.

They ask only for something as simple as the recognition of what they actually are: political prisoners…

The stubbornness, intransigence, cruelty and insensitivity of the British Government before the international community concerning the problem of the Irish patriots and their hunger strike until death remind us of Torquemada and the atrocities committed by the Inquisition during the apogee of the Middle Ages…

Let tyrants tremble before men who are capable of dying for their ideals, after 60 days on hunger strike!

It is high time for the world community to put an end to this repulsive atrocity through denunciation and pressure.”

Fidel went on to state in relation to Bobby Sands,

“Tyrants tremble when they are faced with men who are willing to die for their ideas. After 60 days on a hunger strike, following the example of Christ’s 3 days on Calvary which for centuries has been a symbol of human sacrifice, it is time to put an end to this disgusting atrocity through denunciations and pressure by the world community.”

We remember this international solidarity and voice in favour of our own freedom struggle.  We reaffirm that solidarity between these two island nations in the same sea of struggle and hope.  A statement from the RSF International Relations Bureau will be issued soon.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam, Fidel.”

– Seán Ó Dubhláin, National PRO, Sinn Féin Poblachtach

Republican Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin Poblachtach

Web: http://www.rsf.ie
E-Mail: saoirse@iol.ie

Sinn Féin Poblachtach
Teach Dáithí Ó Conaill,
223 Sráid Pharnell, BÁC 1, Éire

For confirmation contact;
Des Dalton, President: 086-3291809
Seán Ó Dubhláin, PRO: +353 89 481 9514 or ‘pro@rsf.ie’
Ard-Oifig: 01-872 9747

International Department: international@rsf.ie

Ranganna:Commemorative, International News