Revolutionary or despot: The world reacts online after Fidel Castro dies at 90
Fidel Castro died at age 90, his brother Raul Castro announced late Friday. Rebel leader and former president of Cuba, Castro was an antagonist of at least 10 American presidents and a staunch socialist until his death.
Fighting the dictator Fulgencio Batista, Castro and his soldiers swept into Havana on Jan. 8, 1959.
Although his promise of liberation and equality was greeted across central and southern America, Castro held thousands of political prisoners and kept a tight grip on his people. Many fled to the U.S. in the following decades.
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His impact remains controversial, and the reactions of political figures across the world has reflected that legacy.
Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who represents southern Florida, a region with many Cuban exiles, tweeted that the moment must be seized to "help write a new chapter in the history of Cuba."
"A tyrant is dead and a new beginning can dawn on the last remaining communist bastion of the Western hemisphere," she said in a statement. "The message is now very clear to those who think they will continue to misrule Cuba through oppression and fear. Enough is enough."
Cuban writer and activist Yoani Sánchez tweeted a bittersweet sentiment: "My mother grew up under Fidel Castro, I was born under Fidel Castro... my son was born under Fidel Castro, my grandchildren will be born without Fidel Castro."
She also tweeted that in a few hours, she would see her first sunrise without the Cuban leader.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India offered his condolences and called Castro "one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century."
For others, Castro symbolised defiance in the face of Western oppression. In a Twitter tribute, prominent Pakistani politician Imran Khan lauded Castro's legacy as a fighter for his people.
Many political leaders in central and southern America praised Castro.
Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto tweeted that Castro was a friend of Mexico, who promoted a relationship based on "respect, dialogue and solidarity."
Rafael Correa, president of Ecuador, wrote, "He was a great one. Fidel is dead. Long live Cuba! Long live Latin America!
The embattled president of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro, meanwhile, called to "all the revolutionaries of the world."
"We have to continue his legacy and his flag of independence, of socialism, of homeland."
This story is developing.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
Ariel Bogle was an associate editor with Mashable in Australia covering technology. Previously, Ariel was associate editor at Future Tense in Washington DC, an editorial initiative between Slate and New America.
