Cuban-American Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart has announced on Radio America his intention to formally request that the United States Department of Justice indict Raúl Castro for murder. This request is tied to the downing of Brothers to the Rescue aircrafts on February 24, 1996.
Díaz-Balart shared with Radio America that this request will be made in collaboration with two fellow lawmakers, as his team is currently drafting the necessary document. This information was revealed by journalist Mario J. Pentón on his social media platforms.
Journalist Miguel Cossio confirmed on his X profile that the legislators joining this initiative are Congressmen Carlos Giménez and María Elvira Salazar. They will also formally request the indictment of Raúl Castro for the Brothers to the Rescue incident.
"We will officially ask for Raúl Castro to be charged with the murder of these four individuals, three of whom were Americans, in cold blood," Díaz-Balart stated.
The congressman emphasized that there is evidence showing Raúl Castro personally ordered the aircrafts to be shot down.
"Raúl Castro himself has admitted to giving the order, and we have evidence of this. He said it publicly," Díaz-Balart assured.
Díaz-Balart highlighted that the charge of murder does not have a statute of limitations. He affirmed that the request will be submitted with "utmost seriousness" and "responsibility," dismissing any notion that this is a publicity stunt.
"This is not for media attention. We are approaching this very seriously," he insisted.
In this context, the congressman warned that the regime in Havana is facing a critical phase under the current U.S. administration.
"This tyranny will not outlast this president," he declared, suggesting that pressure on the regime will increase in the coming weeks.
He mentioned that the announcement regarding the indictment would be made public once the request is officially submitted to the Department of Justice.
Previously, Díaz-Balart had stated in Miami that it should not be ruled out that former Cuban leader Raúl Castro might face future criminal charges in the United States, linked to the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996. Washington classified the incident as occurring in international airspace, resulting in four fatalities.
Key Questions on the Indictment Request Against Raúl Castro
Why are U.S. lawmakers seeking murder charges against Raúl Castro?
They argue that Raúl Castro is responsible for ordering the downing of Brothers to the Rescue aircraft, which resulted in the murder of four people, including three Americans, in 1996.
Who are the congressmen involved in the indictment request?
The lawmakers involved in this request are Mario Díaz-Balart, Carlos Giménez, and María Elvira Salazar.
What evidence supports the claim against Raúl Castro?
Díaz-Balart asserts that Raúl Castro publicly admitted to giving the order to down the aircraft, and they possess evidence to back this claim.