US considers indictment of former Cuban leader Raul Castro

May 16, 2026 • Google News World

US Justice Department Pursues Indictment Against Raul Castro

The US Justice Department is reportedly working to indict former Cuban President Raul Castro. According to sources, the department is under pressure from the Trump administration to pursue the indictment.

Castro served as Cuba’s president from 2008 to 2018 and was a key figure in the country’s government during his tenure. The exact charges against him are not specified, but it is reported that they relate to the 1996 downing of civilian planes by Cuban fighter jets.

The development comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Cuba. In recent years, there have been efforts to improve relations between the two countries, including a historic visit by President Barack Obama in 2016.

The Justice Department’s pursuit of an indictment against Castro is seen as part of this broader effort to re-evaluate US policy towards Cuba. The Trump administration has taken a harder line on Cuba than its predecessors, and the indictment would be a significant escalation of US pressure on the island nation.

Details about the charges against Castro are not yet available, but sources indicate that they relate to the 1996 incident in which two American planes were shot down by Cuban fighter jets. The incident resulted in the deaths of all 112 people on board both planes.

The indictment is reportedly being pursued as part of a broader effort to hold Cuba accountable for its actions during this period. The development has significant implications for US-Cuba relations and could potentially lead to further tensions between the two countries.

Source: Google News World