TKP holds protest rally against the US

TKP members gathered in front of the Cevahir Shopping Mall in Şişli to protest the US blockade on Cuba, chanting the slogan, "Genocidal US, take your hands off Cuba." In his speech at the event, Party General Secretary Kemal Okuyan harshly criticized US policies toward Cuba. Okuyan stated, "Cuba does not threaten the US, but it threatens the imperialist mentality. It threatens selfishness, tyranny, and colonialism."

Emphasizing that solidarity with Cuba is not merely a humanitarian gesture, Okuyan said, "The issue is not just about sharing the pain of another people. We have gathered here for ourselves as well, because what is happening in Cuba could happen here tomorrow."

Referring to the situations in Palestine, Iran, and Venezuela, Okuyan said, "If we remain indifferent to what is happening there, we will remain indifferent to what will happen in this country tomorrow. The issue is not just reaching out to another people; it is about defending humanity, our future, and life itself. Does Cuba have nuclear weapons? No. Does it have advanced aircraft? No. But Cuba threatens the mentality that dominates the imperialist world. It threatens selfishness, tyranny, and colonialism."

Reminding that Cuba has continued to send aid to other countries despite a long-standing economic and political blockade, Okuyan cited the assistance of Cuban healthcare workers as an example, saying, "When the earthquake hit Turkey, they sent their best children to Turkey to heal people's wounds."

Responding to criticisms such as, "We have so many problems of our own, why are we concerned with Cuba?" Kemal Okuyan stated his position against this approach by saying, "Yes. We are concerned with Cuba precisely because our problems have piled up, and we will continue to be concerned."

Also voicing criticism toward US President Donald Trump, Okuyan reacted by saying, "By what right do you interfere in the internal affairs of other countries? Every country decides for itself how it will live." Referring to Trump's remarks that he "does not recognize international law," Okuyan declared, "We challenge this challenge."

News Source: 12punto