Legal Expert on Cuban Affairs Warns of Regime's Decline: "Losing Its Grip on Power"

On Monday, Lindsey Lazopoulos Friedman, a legal expert specializing in lawsuits against the Cuban government, expressed her belief that the regime in Havana is nearing its end. During an interview with News4JAX's morning program in Jacksonville, Florida, she stated, "We are reaching a critical juncture where the regime is entirely losing its ability to sustain itself."

Friedman, who is an attorney at Holtzman Vogel and a former federal prosecutor for the Southern District of Florida, made these remarks amid unprecedented tensions between Washington and Havana. These tensions have been exacerbated by three simultaneous developments: the potential for federal criminal charges against Raúl Castro, revelations of Cuba possessing over 300 military drones, and an energy crisis that has led to blackouts lasting up to 22 hours daily.

Potential Charges Against Raúl Castro

Regarding the potential indictment of the 94-year-old former Cuban leader, Friedman noted, "At this point, all options are on the table." The charges could potentially involve drug trafficking, money laundering, and the murder of the Brothers to the Rescue pilots.

The indictment is connected to the downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996, which resulted in the deaths of four Cuban-Americans: Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.

Comparisons to Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro

Friedman compared this situation to the case of Nicolás Maduro, whose indictment was sealed in 2011, revealed in 2020, and led to his arrest in January 2026. She indicated, "The U.S. government has likely secured that indictment to be at this stage in their pressure campaign."

When questioned about whether Washington underestimates the regime's resilience, Friedman was unequivocal: "Absolutely not. It's simply that the Castro regime underestimates the resolve and determination of the United States and the Cuban-American diaspora."

Cuba's Military Drones and National Security Concerns

Addressing the intelligence reports about Cuba's acquisition of over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran, which could potentially reach Florida, Friedman viewed the leak as a sign of weakness: "This is information the Cuban regime leaked out of desperation."

She emphasized the contrast between the regime and the Cuban populace: "There is a vast distinction between the regime clinging desperately to power and the Cuban people who are suffering through this humanitarian crisis."

Senator Marco Rubio had previously stated, "I don’t think we can change Cuba's trajectory while these individuals are in charge." Friedman supported this view, highlighting that the Cuban-American diaspora has "carried the banner for decades, advocating for freedom, democracy, and human dignity."

Threats to U.S. National Security

The attorney also warned about the national security threats posed by the regime, noting that Cuba gathers intelligence for Russia and China. Additionally, Cuban government agents are involved in multi-million dollar fraud schemes within the U.S. Medicare system, funneling money out of the country.

Meanwhile, Miguel Díaz-Canel warned on Monday that a U.S. military aggression against Cuba would result in "a bloodbath of incalculable consequences," as the island faces its worst energy crisis in decades, with a record power deficit of more than 2,153 MW recorded on May 13.

Friedman concluded with a message of hope for the Cuban-American community: "The implications for Cuban-Americans are very hopeful," she added, noting that the fight for freedom, democracy, and self-determination "has no expiration date."