Cubas former leader Raul Castro indicted by US authorities

US Charges Former Cuban Leader Raul Castro with Crimes Related to Plane Downings

The administration of President Donald Trump has issued criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raul Castro, who is accused of involvement in the 1996 downing of two civilian planes that killed four American citizens. The indictment was announced on Wednesday by acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche during a speech at Miami’s Freedom Tower.

Castro, 94, and five co-defendants are charged with crimes related to the incident. The charges have sparked tensions between Cuba and the US, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio releasing a statement calling for reform in Havana.

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel has described the 1996 shootdown as an act of “legitimate self-defence”, while arguing that the US has evidence showing no reckless actions were taken. The case against Castro is centered on the downing of two planes operated by a Cuban exile group, Brothers to the Rescue.

The indictment comes amid heightened tensions between Cuba and the US, with Trump having implemented sanctions and a de facto fuel blockade in an effort to prompt leadership change in Havana. The US has also placed a trade embargo on Cuba since the 1960s, which has been exacerbated by recent actions such as cutting off funds and fuel exchange between Venezuela and Cuba.

Castro remains one of the most influential figures in Cuban politics, despite ending his term as president in 2018. The US has renewed its focus on Cuba, pushing for regime change and economic reforms, with Trump hinting at possible military action if demands are not met.

Source: Al Jazeera