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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Castro Purges Party on Video

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(Newser) – Raul Castro firmly ratchets up his grip on power in a three-hour video being shown to Cuba's Communist Party members, the Financial Times reports. The video features scenes from a March politburo meeting during which Castro fired most of Fidel's cabinet, along with testimony from security officials. Those who have seen it say the message is plain: Raul is laying down the law and won't tolerate a hint of disloyalty.

In the video, Raul reads aloud from the confession of a trade envoy arrested for spying, and details his connections to several of Fidel's protégés. Chief among them is Raul Castellanos Lage, a former party leader accused of being part of a clique that considered Cuba's elderly leaders unfit to govern. Audience members at several screenings rose from their seats to demand the men be shot for treason, according to witnesses.

Raul Castro, right, stands with Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque during a 2007 session of the National Assembly in Havana. Roque was abruptly removed from power earlier this year.
Raul Castro, right, stands with Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque during a 2007 session of the National Assembly in Havana. Roque was abruptly removed from power earlier this year.   (AP Photo/Javier Galeano, File)
Raul Castro speaks during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cuban Revolution at the main plaza in Santiago, Cuba, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009.
Raul Castro speaks during the 50th anniversary celebration of the Cuban Revolution at the main plaza in Santiago, Cuba, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ismael Francisco/Prensa Latina)
Raul Castro waves to supporters during the celebrations of the International Workers' Day at the Revolution square in Havana earlier this year.
Raul Castro waves to supporters during the celebrations of the International Workers' Day at the Revolution square in Havana earlier this year.   (AP Photo/Javier Galeano)
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5 comments
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tameesha_sharpton
Jul 15, 09 7:38 AM CDT
just as interesting will be to see details on their replacements. qne thing for sure, it will be better or worse, but not the same. that would be a wonderful concept here, put the lifetime senators/congressmen out of office. Reply
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doingtherightthing
Jul 15, 09 8:17 AM CDT
agreed......start with Pelosi first then the rest........then maybe the people can have there country back from the tyranny leading this country straight into a third world country....... Reply
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-1
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Mad
Jul 15, 09 10:46 AM CDT
Man, I love how Pelosi rubs you republicans so raw!
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IN RESPONSE:
kokuaguy
Jul 15, 09 1:08 PM CDT
We know Nancy is on the right track because they hate her so much. She will go down in history as one of the greatest Speakers. And of course I expect the same from Hillary as SOS. It is a wonderful time to be a woman. I was married to an amazing one for many years, and we created a remarkable child together AFTER she had made her mark in her chosen profession. I believe I am a successful man mostly because of my role in those accomplishments. Now at age 60 when my parents were getting ready to retire I am looking for new challenges occupationally. It's a new, scary world out there but I'm at peace with whatever comes. PS Go see DEPARTURES if you haven't been yet !!!
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Snowleopard
Jul 15, 09 1:22 PM CDT
Ha!
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