The United States Department of Justice is set to unveil federal criminal charges against Raúl Castro, aged 94, on Wednesday. The charges stem from his alleged role in the downing of two civilian aircraft belonging to Brothers to the Rescue on February 24, 1996. This incident led to the deaths of four Cuban-Americans over international waters in the Florida Straits, as confirmed by various U.S. media sources.
The announcement is scheduled to take place at Miami’s Freedom Tower at 1:00 p.m., aligning with Cuba’s Independence Day and a tribute ceremony for the victims, nearly three decades after the tragic event.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, federal prosecutor Jason A. Reding Quiñones, FBI Deputy Director Christopher G. Raia, Senator Ashley Moody, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier will be among the participants at the event.
Federal sources with knowledge of the investigation revealed to NBC News that a grand jury has been reviewing evidence in the case, and an indictment had likely been filed prior to the announcement slated for this Wednesday.
The four individuals who lost their lives in the incident were Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. Their bodies were never recovered.
The attack took place when MiG-29 fighter jets from the Cuban Revolutionary Air Force destroyed two unarmed Cessna 337 Skymaster civilian aircraft over international waters.
The International Civil Aviation Organization determined that the shootdown violated international law. A third plane, carrying José Basulto, the founder of the organization, managed to escape.
Key Evidence and Background
A pivotal piece of evidence is a June 1996 audio recording where Raúl Castro, then serving as Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, discusses the directive he issued: “I said to try to shoot them down over the territory, but they would enter Havana and then leave... Well, shoot them down over the sea when they show up.”
The 11-minute and 32-second audio was released in 2006 by journalist Wilfredo Cancio in El Nuevo Herald, and its authenticity has been corroborated by experts and by Alcibiades Hidalgo, Castro’s former personal secretary.
Declassified FBI documents—over 10,000 pages—also unveil the existence of "Operation Venice," which was planned from February 13, 1996, suggesting premeditation of the attack.
Political Implications and Reactions
The charges are part of the Trump administration's maximum pressure strategy against the Cuban regime. On May 19, the U.S. imposed sanctions on 11 Cuban officials and three government entities linked to the island's security apparatus.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the sanctions as “immoral, illegal, and criminal.”
Despite the symbolic nature of the charges—given that Raúl Castro has never set foot on U.S. soil and there is no extradition treaty between Cuba and the U.S.—it remains a significant gesture. Effective prosecution is nearly impossible.
Basulto, whose aircraft escaped the attack in February 1996, expressed the sentiment shared by the victims' families: “I have longed for this for a long time. I have longed for justice, for justice to become a reality.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Raúl Castro's Charges
What are the charges against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro is being charged for his involvement in the downing of two civilian aircraft in 1996, resulting in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans.
Where will the charges be announced?
The charges will be announced at the Freedom Tower in Miami.
Is there a possibility of Raúl Castro being extradited to the U.S.?
No, extradition is unlikely as there is no extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States, and Raúl Castro has never set foot on U.S. soil.