Arabic version: الولايات المتحدة تتهم راؤول كاسترو بإسقاط طائرة عام 1996

The United States has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to kill US nationals and other crimes over the downing of two planes between Cuba and Florida in 1996. This case, unveiled on Wednesday, revives charges from 2003 that accuse Castro and five others of shooting down an aircraft belonging to the Cuban American group Brothers to the Rescue, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including three Americans. According to BBC News, the charges include destruction of aircraft and four counts of murder.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges in Miami, emphasizing that the US will not forget its citizens. He noted that the indictment targets a prominent figure in Cuba’s communist leadership, which is currently facing increased pressure from the US to implement political and economic reforms. The US has imposed sanctions and a blockade that have led to significant hardships, including blackouts and food shortages, in Cuba.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the charges as a political maneuver lacking legal foundation. He accused the US of distorting the facts surrounding the plane downing and claimed that Cuba acted in legitimate self-defense. Díaz-Canel stated that the indictment is being used to justify potential military aggression against Cuba.

The announcement of the charges has been met with enthusiasm among Cuban exiles in Miami, many of whom view it as a step toward justice for the victims of the 1996 incident. Attendees at the announcement expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for taking action against Castro, with sentiments that justice has finally been served. However, experts warn that the Cuban regime is unlikely to yield to US pressure without resistance, and further entrenchment of its position is expected in response to the charges.