Fact Check: Miguel Diaz Canel, Cuba’s president, called the students 'beloved' and organized meetings with them.

Fact Check: "Miguel Diaz Canel, Cuba’s president, called the students 'beloved' and organized meetings with them."

What We Know

The claim that Miguel Diaz-Canel, the President of Cuba, referred to students as "beloved" and organized meetings with them lacks direct evidence from reliable sources. Recent reports indicate that Diaz-Canel has been actively engaging with various groups, including students, during events such as the International Workers' Day celebrations and pro-Palestinian marches. For instance, during a recent pro-Palestinian march, Diaz-Canel was seen leading thousands of participants, which included students, in a show of solidarity (source-1, source-3).

Additionally, in a speech delivered on May 3, 2024, Diaz-Canel emphasized themes of solidarity and cooperation, which are often central to his interactions with youth and students (source-2). However, there is no specific mention of him using the term "beloved" in reference to students in the available documentation.

Analysis

The evidence surrounding Diaz-Canel's engagement with students is somewhat circumstantial. While he has participated in events that include students and has expressed solidarity with various causes, the specific claim about him calling students "beloved" is not substantiated by any direct quotes or reliable reports. The sources that discuss his activities, such as leading marches and delivering speeches, do not provide the specific language used in addressing students (source-3, source-2).

Furthermore, some sources, such as a report from CubaBrief, suggest that there may be coercive elements to the participation of students in political events, which raises questions about the authenticity of the engagement (source-7). This potential bias should be considered when evaluating the overall context of Diaz-Canel's interactions with students.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that Miguel Diaz-Canel called students "beloved" and organized meetings with them is not supported by direct evidence or reliable sources. While he has engaged with students during various public events, the specific language attributed to him remains unverified. Further investigation into primary sources or direct statements from Diaz-Canel would be necessary to confirm or refute this claim definitively.

Sources

1. Cuban President joins students in support of Palestinians
2. Cuba will continue to raise the banners of peace, solidarity ...
3. Cuban president leads pro-Palestinian march in front of US ...
4. Meeting with President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel ...
5. Miguel Díaz-Canel and the mission of humanizing Castro's heir
6. Top leader arrives in Cuba for state visit
7. CubaBrief: Castro regime coerces Cuban workers and ...
8. The meeting of the President of Cuba (Miguel Diaz-Canel ...