Former Cuban president Raúl Castro has been indicted on murder charges, new court records reveal.
The charges surround the 1996 takedown of “two unarmed U.S. civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue (BTTR)” over international waters, the Department of Justice announced. The superseding indictment lists charges of “conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, two counts of destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder,” the DOJ noted.
In February 1996, four Americans, Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales, were flying an aircraft when the Cuban military shot the planes down, killing them.
Cuba defended its action. The Cuban Embassy in the US wrote on social media that there was an “official, clear, and internationally known warning.”
“In light of the inaction of foreign authorities and the imminent danger posed by the incursions, a notice known as ‘Information to the Public’ was posted on January 15, 1996, in Trabajadores newspaper,” the post read. “The document publicly warned that any aircraft violating national airspace without authorization would be intercepted and, if necessary, neutralized.”
“Over three decades later, we are committed to holding those accountable for the murders of four brave Americans: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales,” stated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For the first time in nearly 70 years, senior leadership of the Cuban regime has been charged in the United States for alleged acts of violence resulting in the deaths of American citizens. President Trump and this Justice Department are committed to restoring a simple principle: if you kill Americans, we will pursue you. No matter who you are. No matter what title you hold.”
