Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar recently declared on X that the time has come to bring the dictator Raúl Castro to justice for the 1996 downing of aircraft belonging to the humanitarian organization Brothers to the Rescue.
Salazar emphasized that for nearly three decades, Raúl has managed to evade justice for the murder of American citizens, asserting that the evidence is undeniable: "He was in command."
"It's time to reopen the case, pursue the truth to the highest levels, and hold him accountable," she reiterated.
Her statement was in response to a post by journalist Marc Caputo, editor-in-chief of the Politico portal, highlighting that hardline Cuban sectors are urging the Department of Justice to prosecute Raúl Castro for ordering the shootdown of the planes.
Congressional Support for Justice
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart also voiced his opinion on X, linking the call for justice to the leadership of President Donald Trump, whom he described as a steadfast ally of democracy activists.
Díaz-Balart stated that Raúl has been at the heart of the Cuban regime's crimes for nearly seventy years, recalling that Raúl was Cuba's Defense Minister when he ordered the attack on "two unarmed civilian aircraft in international waters."
"This resulted in the murder of four innocent humanitarians: three U.S. citizens and one U.S. resident," he commented.
A Renewed Push for Legal Action
As the 30th anniversary of the incident approaches, four Cuban-American congresspeople have sent a letter to President Trump urging the Department of Justice to consider criminal charges against Raúl Castro for his role in the February 24, 1996, shootdown of the planes.
Along with Salazar and Díaz-Balart, the letter was signed by Carlos A. Giménez and Nicole Malliotakis.
The legislators also suggested assessing the issuance of an Interpol red notice against him, arguing that the current administration is in a unique position to address what they see as a longstanding injustice.
Remembering the Victims
On February 24, 1996, Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, and Mario de la Peña, American citizens, along with Pablo Morales, a permanent U.S. resident, were killed. They were participating in humanitarian missions aimed at locating and assisting Cuban rafters attempting to leave the island.
The congresspeople argue that Raúl Castro, who was then Defense Minister, was part of the command chain that ordered the action against the unarmed planes.
They cite public information, including a recording released by The Miami Herald and reports from that time, which they claim point to his responsibility.
Díaz-Balart emphasized that the charge of murder does not have a statute of limitations and assured that the request would be submitted "very seriously" and "very responsibly," dismissing any notion of it being a publicity stunt.
Previously, he had announced on América Radio his intention to formally request charges against Raúl Castro for murder in connection with the incident.
At the time of the shootdown, the International Civil Aviation Organization determined that the aircraft were not in Cuban airspace when they were shot down.
The case drew strong international condemnation, and three decades later, it remains a painful issue for many families in the Cuban exile community.
To date, as legislators noted, only one person has been convicted in the United States in relation to the case, while the top political figures involved have not faced any criminal charges.
With the 30th anniversary nearing, the issue has once again become a central topic of political debate in Washington, fueled by the congresspeople's call to reopen the case and take it "to the highest levels."
Questions on Raúl Castro and the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue Incident
What evidence links Raúl Castro to the 1996 shootdown?
The evidence includes public information and a recording released by The Miami Herald, which suggest Raúl Castro's involvement in the command chain that ordered the shootdown of unarmed civilian aircraft.
Why is there a renewed push to prosecute Raúl Castro?
As the 30th anniversary of the incident approaches, Cuban-American congresspeople are urging the Department of Justice to consider criminal charges against Raúl Castro, citing longstanding injustice and the availability of evidence.