Former Cuban President Raúl Castro Indicted in US Over 1996 Plane Shootdown

Former Cuban president Raúl Castro has been indicted in the United States over the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft operated by Cuban exiles, an attack that killed four people.

US prosecutors announced charges against Castro, who served as Cuba’s armed forces minister at the time of the incident, accusing him of conspiracy to kill US nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder.

The indictment relates to the February 1996 shooting down of two planes belonging to the Miami-based exile group Brothers to the Rescue. Cuban military fighter jets intercepted and destroyed the aircraft over international waters, according to US authorities.

American officials allege that the operation was carried out under the direction of senior Cuban military leadership during Castro’s tenure as defence chief.

If convicted, the former Cuban leader could face life imprisonment under US law.

Speaking after the announcement, some Cuban Americans gathered outside a federal centre in Miami described the indictment as a long-awaited step toward accountability.

“It’s never too late for justice,” one supporter told the BBC, as relatives and members of the Cuban exile community reacted emotionally to the development.

The indictment comes amid renewed pressure by the administration of Donald Trump on the Cuban government in Havana.

The United States has recently tightened sanctions targeting fuel supplies to the island, measures Cuban officials say have worsened the country’s economic crisis and contributed to widespread power outages.

Analysts say the legal action against Castro could further strain already fragile relations between Washington and Havana, while also carrying political significance among Cuban-American voters in Florida ahead of future US elections.

Source: bbc