As the debate intensifies in Washington regarding the potential prosecution of Raúl Castro in the United States, the journalist who nearly two decades ago exposed the incriminating recording of the former Minister of the Armed Forces has decided to speak up.
Wilfredo Cancio Isla stated that it was his work that led to El Nuevo Herald's publication in August 2006 of the tape where Raúl Castro admitted to ordering the attack on the Brothers to the Rescue planes shot down on February 24, 1996.
In a Facebook post accompanied by photos verifying his possession of the material, Cancio clarified that the recording was published by the Spanish edition, although The Miami Herald is often solely credited as the source.
"Setting the record straight," wrote Cancio, expressing gratitude to journalist Claire Heddles for correctly acknowledging the original publication. The reporter highlighted that the tape became a critical piece of evidence in politically holding Castro accountable for the deaths of Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales, activists engaged in humanitarian missions to assist rafters.
This revelation comes at a particularly sensitive time. Four Cuban-American congress members urged President Donald Trump to push for criminal charges against Raúl Castro and even consider an Interpol red notice. Their letter references public information and journalistic sources pointing to his responsibility within the command chain that ordered the attack in international waters, as determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Simultaneously, recent articles have revisited the recording where Raúl is heard instructing to "try to shoot them down," while figures in Havana, such as Gerardo Hernández, mock the legal feasibility of a criminal charge.
Cancio previewed that he would soon reveal more details about how the tape was obtained and published, noting he still has the original diskettes and photos from the 1996 meeting where the recording was made.
Nearly three decades after the downing, the conversation not only focuses on the possible criminal liability of the general but also on historical memory and truth. Amidst the renewed political pressure in Washington, the journalist who uncovered the recording reaffirms his role in a story that remains a painful chapter for the Cuban exile community.
Key Questions on Raúl Castro's Accountability
What is the significance of the recording revealed by Wilfredo Cancio Isla?
The recording is crucial as it serves as evidence of Raúl Castro admitting to ordering the attack on Brothers to the Rescue planes, which is pivotal in holding him politically accountable for the deaths of the activists involved.
Why are Cuban-American congress members urging action against Raúl Castro?
The congress members are pressing for action due to Castro's alleged responsibility within the command chain that ordered the attack, as supported by public information and journalistic sources, and determined by international aviation authorities.
How does the tape impact the Cuban exile community?
The tape remains a painful reminder of the tragic event and symbolizes a quest for justice and truth, keeping the memory of the victims alive within the Cuban exile community.