Flashback: Clash of signs and symbols in '04

U.S. Interests Section, Havana

In 2004, workers at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana put up a big sign reading "75." It was a reference to the Cuban government's jailing of 75 dissidents, pro-democracy activists, journalists and others.

Anyone driving along the Malecon could see the 75 sign.

The sign was just below the Interests Section balcony

Nearby was a white Christmas tree

Cuban authorities weren't happy about the 75 sign. They called the dissidents "mercenaries," and said the U.S. didn't have the moral authority to criticize Cuba, especially given American soldiers' treatment of suspected terrorists. No matter, U.S. officials said they would continue to demand the Cuban dissidents' freedom.

The battle of the signs went on and some Cuban artists created their vision of their neighbor to the north.

James Cason, then chief of the U.S. Interests Section, was one of the main targets of Cuba's propaganda campaign. But the signs didn't faze him.

Link:

Along the Malecon's U.S.-Cuba Relations page