Fidel Castro quotes spanning five decades of power

  • World

Revolutionary leader Fidel Castro was a global symbol of communism who led Cuba through the Cold War.

The revolutionary leader was known by his defiance to the US and his long thundering speeches.

He spoke to crowds of thousands for hours on end, raging about capitalist injustice.

He set the record for the longest speech at the UN General Assembly in 1960 with a 269-minute address.

Here are some of his most memorable quotes:

  • 16 October 1953: at his trial for the rebel attack that launched Cuban Revolution.

Fidel Castro Credit: PA

  • 1 January 1959: upon triumph of the revolution.

Fidel Castro with revolutionary comrades celebrating victory Credit: PA

  • 15 October, 1976: he addressed more than 1 million mourners in Havana the week after the terrorist bombing of the Cuban airliner which killed 73 people.

Castro making a speech Credit: PA

  • 20 December, 1980: he spoke to the Congress of Communist Party of Cuba.

Fidel Castro died aged 90 Credit: PA

  • 1985: Talking about cigars.

Castro smoking a cigar Credit: PA

  • On 31 July, 2006: He announced he had undergone intestinal surgery and temporarily ceded his powers to younger brother Raul.

Raul Castro Credit: PA

  • August 30, 2010: He gave an interview with Mexican daily La Jornada.

He fell ill with a gastrointestinal illness in 2006 Credit: Reuters

  • April 2016: At the communist party congress where he made his most extensive public appearance in years.

Castro with his brother Raul Credit: Reuters