Procuradores Feds of Estados Unidos prepare criminal charges against Raúl Castro. The 94-year-old former Cuban president is expected to be indicted this Wednesday for his alleged responsibility in the downing of two civilian planes in 1996. The case involves four deaths, three of them American citizens. The action takes place in Miami and coincides with a tribute to the victims.
The episode dates back to February 24, 1996. Dois planes Cessna from the group Brothers to the Rescue were shot down by Força Aérea Cubana over Caribe. At the time, Raúl Castro held the position of Defesa’s minister.
Acusação could be announced this Wednesday at Miami
Justiça’s Departamento plans to file the indictment on Miami. The date marks an official tribute to the victims of the incident. Fontes close to the case indicate that the grand jury still needs to approve the final measure. The announcement would involve federal prosecutors and local authorities.
The lawsuit discusses accusations related to the downing of the aircraft. Há mentions possible additional crimes, such as drug trafficking, but exact details have not yet been publicly confirmed. The former Cuban leader, brother of Fidel Castro, was the main military authority when the episode occurred.
Detalhes from the 1996 slaughter
The aircraft belonged to the Brothers to the Rescue. The group, based in Miami, carried out humanitarian flights to locate Cubans at risk at sea during the economic crisis of the 1990s in Cuba. The pilots shot down were Armando Alejandre, aged 45, Carlos Costa, aged 29, Mario de la Peña, aged 24, and Pablo Morales, aged 29. A third plane escaped.
- Armando Alejandre Jr.
- Carlos Costa
- Mario from Peña
- Pablo Morales
The victims’ families received compensation in the Estados Unidos years later. The amount reached US$187.6 million, paid with frozen Cuban assets.
Versões diverging over airspace
The Cuban government claimed at the time that the planes invaded its airspace. Já to Organização of Aviação Civil Internacional concluded that the attack took place in international waters, on Estreito of Flórida. The action generated international condemnation at the time.
Raúl Castro would have discussed the order in audio, according to reports cited by American congressmen. Membros of Congresso sent a letter to Departamento of Justiça in February asking for the complaint.
US voltage Contexto and Cuba
The resumption of the case comes amid greater pressure from Washington on Havana. Os Estados Unidos imposed an oil embargo on the island and expanded economic sanctions. Especialistas link the movement to the worsening of the Cuban energy crisis.
The indictment reinforces the current administration’s hard line against the Cuban government. This Wednesday’s tribute in Miami must be attended by federal and local authorities.
Repercussão among Cuban exiles
Brothers to Rescue remains active in the memory of the Cuban community in Miami. The group’s founder followed recent developments. Famílias of the victims awaits the official announcement to talk about late justice.
The 1996 case marked a low point in bilateral relations. Trinta years later, he returns to the center of a new phase of diplomatic confrontations.
