On Wednesday, the official newspaper Juventud Rebelde shared a video on Facebook featuring Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, hailed by the Cuban regime as one of the "Five Heroes." In the video, Hernández staunchly defended the official story regarding the downing of Brothers to the Rescue planes on February 24, 1996.
The publication ignited a storm of critical comments from online users who dismissed his claims with irony and factual evidence.
This video, which lasts just over three minutes, coincided with the U.S. Department of Justice filing criminal charges against Raúl Castro and five Cuban military officials for the shootdown. The move is part of a propaganda push also involving Díaz-Canel, Manuel Marrero, and Bruno Rodríguez.
Allegations Against Brothers to the Rescue
In the video, Hernández claimed that Brothers to the Rescue was not merely a humanitarian organization but was masking terrorist intentions. "In Miami, they distort history and tell it in a way that suits them," he asserted.
One of his main arguments centered on Juan Pablo Roque, whom he described as an FBI agent infiltrated into the organization. "If Brothers to the Rescue is solely humanitarian, why would the FBI infiltrate someone to gather information?" Hernández questioned, implying this demonstrated the group's terrorist motives.
Public Backlash and Fact-Checking
Despite Hernández's assertions, online users were quick to point out factual inaccuracies in his narrative. He claimed that by 1996, there were no more rafters due to the "wet foot, dry foot" policy. However, a commenter reminded him that this policy wasn't abolished until January 12, 2017, by Barack Obama, meaning rafters continued to reach Florida's shores for years.
Another user highlighted that the International Civil Aviation Organization investigated the shootdown and concluded it was illegal under international law, noting that the planes were civilian and unarmed.
Widespread Rejection of Hernández's Claims
Most comments expressed an open rejection of both Hernández and the regime that portrays him as a hero. "The revolution of lies and deceit that has destroyed a nation and its people with hunger and need is a failed state," wrote one user.
Others were more direct in their criticism: "The party is ending," "Justice, though delayed, arrives," and "Soon you will return from where you should never have been allowed to leave."
Hernández was sentenced in the United States to two life terms plus 15 months for conspiracy to commit murder linked to the shootdown. He was released in December 2014 as part of the Obama-Castro normalization agreement.
The four victims of the shootdown were Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
The Cuban regime dismissed the criminal charges as "villainous," "a farce," and "illegitimate and illegal," while former Cuban spies publicly defended the shootdown on state media. However, the response from internet users summed up the sentiment of many with the phrase: "Now they're clucking."
Gerardo Hernández and the 1996 Plane Incident: Key Questions
What was the official reason for the shootdown of Brothers to the Rescue planes?
The Cuban regime claimed the planes were involved in terrorist activities, not just humanitarian missions, as they stated in the official narrative defended by Gerardo Hernández.
How did the international community respond to the shootdown?
The International Civil Aviation Organization investigated the incident and found it to be illegal under international law, asserting that the planes were civilian and unarmed.
Who were the victims of the 1996 plane shootdown?
The victims were Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales, all members of Brothers to the Rescue.