Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, May 20, 2026 —

Former Cuban President Raúl Castro to Face Criminal Charges in 1996 Aircraft Shoot-Down Case

A Miami federal court is expected to file criminal charges against former Cuban president Raúl Castro for his alleged role as defense minister in ordering the 1996 shoot‑down of two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue — a Cuban‑American group.

The indictment, which has been in development for more than 30 years, will be announced during an event in Miami that also honors the four victims, including three Americans.

The prosecution was revived after earlier efforts stalled, and the charges are part of a broader investigation into Cuban intelligence activities, including the Wasp Network spy ring that infiltrated anti‑Cuban groups in Florida.

The case ties back to the 1996 attack that killed the pilots and is being presented to the public on a day that Cuban exiles observe as Cuba’s independence day.

Story summarized from the original created by Rubén Rosario on wsvn.com, see more information here.

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