Rosabel Gamón Verde, Cuba's Minister of Justice, expressed her support for Raúl Castro this Thursday, stating she feels "honored" to be included on the list of officials sanctioned by the United States. She characterized herself as someone who "won't be bought" and "won't bend."
In remarks shared on social media, Gamón Verde described the sanctions as "a revolutionary reaffirmation of our people's unwavering support for our revolution, our leaders, and of course, our army general, leader of the Cuban revolution."
The minister outright dismissed the criminal charges brought by Washington against Raúl Castro, calling them "another fabrication by the United States government and imperialism to discredit the leaders and officials of our revolution. Everything they announce, we know is false."
Regarding her own inclusion on the sanctioned list, she stated, "If they believe I am among those who are unsellable, unyielding, and defend our project, then I am honored to be on that list."
Gamón Verde is among 11 Cuban officials sanctioned by the U.S. on May 18, under Executive Order 14404 signed by Donald Trump on May 1, targeting those responsible for repression on the island.
The minister's statement comes two days after the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed criminal charges against Raúl Castro over the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue civilian aircraft on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans: Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
The indictment, issued by a federal grand jury in Miami on April 23 and kept sealed until Wednesday, includes charges of conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, destruction of civilian aircraft, and four counts of homicide.
Alongside Raúl Castro, five former Cuban military officers were charged: Lorenzo Alberto Pérez-Pérez, Emilio José Palacio Blanco, José Fidel Gual Barzaga, Raúl Simanca Cárdenas, and Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez.
The regime has responded with a wave of institutional support: Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Council of State, and the Cuban Parliament issued statements defending Raúl Castro, all labeling the accusation as a "farce" and "imperialism."
Gamón Verde was appointed as Minister of Justice in December 2025, taking office amid changes and crises, proposed by the President of the Republic and unanimously approved by the National Assembly.
The downing of the Brothers to the Rescue aircraft was the catalyst for the Helms-Burton Act, which tightened the U.S. embargo against Cuba, and remains one of the regime's most documented crimes against civilians.
Key Details on U.S. Sanctions and Charges
What prompted the U.S. to sanction Cuban officials?
The U.S. sanctioned Cuban officials, including Rosabel Gamón Verde, in response to their roles in repressing the Cuban population and supporting the regime, as detailed in Executive Order 14404 signed by Donald Trump.
What are the charges against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro faces charges of conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, destruction of civilian aircraft, and four counts of homicide related to the 1996 downing of the Brothers to the Rescue planes.
Who else was charged alongside Raúl Castro?
Five former Cuban military officers were also charged: Lorenzo Alberto Pérez-Pérez, Emilio José Palacio Blanco, José Fidel Gual Barzaga, Raúl Simanca Cárdenas, and Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez.