The U.S. Department of Justice is gearing up to reveal an indictment against Raúl Castro, the former president of Cuba, with reports suggesting this could happen soon.
These anticipated charges are linked to his purported involvement in the 1996 shootdown of two planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue, a humanitarian organization based in Miami, as reported by CBS News.
On February 24, 1996, Cuban MiG fighter jets targeted two unarmed Cessna aircraft flying in international airspace north of Cuba, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The planes were engaged in search-and-rescue operations for Cuban rafters and were also known for distributing informational leaflets over Cuba.
The attack claimed the lives of four individuals, including U.S. citizens Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales, alongside U.S. permanent resident Armando Alejandre.
At that time, Castro held the position of Cuba’s Minister of Defense, and communications intercepted by agencies pointed to orders originating from the upper echelons of the Cuban military.
As reported by Reuters, a senior DOJ official has indicated that the Trump administration plans to disclose the charges on May 20 in Miami. This date coincides with Cuban Independence Day, which holds deep significance for the Cuban exile community in Miami.
A press event is scheduled at Freedom Tower at 1 p.m. Eastern Time for the announcement of charges. This landmark, established in 1925, has historical relevance as a processing center for Cuban refugees in the 1960s and stands as a beacon of hope and freedom for the Cuban community.
The event is anticipated to draw prominent officials, including Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason A. Reding Quiñones, along with FBI Deputy Director Christopher G. Raia, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, and Senator Ashley Moody. Families of victims and members of the Cuban exile community are also expected to be present.
