U.S. indicts Cuba’s Raúl Castro over 1996 plane downings

A U.S. grand jury has indicted Raúl Castro, the former leader of Cuba, over the 1996 downing of two planes operated by Cuban exile groups. The indictment accuses Castro of involvement in the military action that resulted in the deaths of several civilians and exiles.

The indictment comes amid increased pressure from U.S. authorities against the Cuban government. Details of the charges were not disclosed publicly, and it is unclear what legal actions may follow.

Castro, who served as Cuba’s president from 2008 to 2018 and as the country’s leader for decades, has not commented publicly on the allegations. The Cuban government has dismissed the charges as politically motivated.

The case highlights ongoing tensions between the United States and Cuba, more than two decades after the incident. It marks a rare move by U.S. authorities to pursue legal action against a former Cuban leader.

Source: Original Article