US Charges Former Cuban Leader Raúl Castro With Murder

Summary

The U.S. Justice Department has charged former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with murder and other crimes related to the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue. The announcement was made in Miami by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, alongside other charges against a former Cuban military official and the pilot. The indictment is seen as a political move to pressure Cuba, though extradition is unlikely.

• Raúl Castro charged with conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and murder.
• Charges stem from the 1996 downing of civilian planes operated by Brothers to the Rescue.
• Announcement made by Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche at Freedom Tower in Miami.
• Former Cuban military official and pilot also charged.
• No extradition treaty with Cuba, making prosecution of Castro unlikely.
• CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Cuba weeks prior to the indictment.
• Families of victims pushed for charges for nearly 30 years.
• The indictment may be used to pressure Cuba on private enterprise and oil flows.