Florida Obtains Arrest Warrant for Raúl Castro Over 1996 Plane Shootdown
Florida Attorney General seeks justice for 1996 Cuban shootdown that killed four U.S. citizens.
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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has obtained a new arrest warrant for former Cuban President Raúl Castro for his alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of two unarmed Cessna aircraft operated by the Miami-based organization Brothers to the Rescue. The incident, which resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including three U.S. citizens and one U.S. permanent resident, has sparked a renewed legal pursuit for accountability.
Background of the Shootdown
The Brothers to the Rescue was founded by Cuban exile José Basulto and conducted aerial searches for Cuban rafters fleeing the island, while also dropping leaflets promoting freedom and democracy in Cuba. On February 24, 1996, two of the group’s aircraft flew over international waters near Cuba, where Cuban MiG fighter jets intercepted and shot them down, killing all four onboard.
An international investigation concluded that Cuba violated international aviation law and failed to follow proper procedures for intercepting civilian aircraft. The planes were shot down approximately nine to 10 nautical miles outside Cuba’s territorial airspace, despite Cuba’s claims to the contrary. The United Nations Security Council formally condemned the shootdown in July 1996.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Last year, Uthmeier directed the Office of Statewide Prosecution (OSP) to reopen its investigation into Castro, given his alleged role in giving the order for the shootdown. The affidavit states that Castro instructed Cuba’s senior military leaders: “Fine, shoot them down at sea when they show up, and those who have the authority are not to consult anyone.”
Florida is charging Castro with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. The case is being handled in the CAMP for Justice Courtroom at Florida International University College of Law, named after Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales, the four Brothers to the Rescue members who were killed.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Special Agent in Charge Michael Stein emphasized the importance of pursuing justice, stating that the passage of time does not diminish the pursuit of accountability. FDLE’s involvement reflects the state’s commitment to public safety and advanced investigative capabilities.
The new arrest warrant was signed by Chief Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. This follows the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indictment of Castro on four counts of murder and two counts of destruction of aircraft in May.
Source: OANN
