Miriam de la Peña, the mother of Mario Manuel de la Peña, one of the four Cuban-Americans killed when the Brothers to the Rescue planes were shot down in 1996, expressed her emotions and optimism following the formal charges against Raúl Castro and five Cuban military officers announced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
In an interview with journalist Tom Llamas for NBC Nightly News, Miriam described the charges as a pivotal moment long awaited by her family: "This marks the beginning. Today is the first step on the path to justice, something we've sought for 30 years. It's unbelievable that this is finally happening."
The grieving mother emphasized that the families are "extremely hopeful and grateful" that their children are at last being acknowledged as victims.
"The dictatorship reached out to international waters to kill American citizens, which is simply unacceptable," she declared.
When asked if she believed Castro would face justice, her response was unwavering: "If I were Raúl Castro right now, I'd be very worried. I believe he will eventually face justice. And if he dies before standing trial in a U.S. court, he knows he's been accused of murder, which he got away with for 30 years."
Miriam reflected on how previous administrations had overlooked her family's case. "I feel different now. I feel human. We were ignored before. We are not ignored anymore. Our children are not ignored. They were four innocent men trying to do good for society."
Regarding the Trump administration's decision to file charges, Miriam was clear: "I think they're doing the right thing. If you kill American citizens, the United States needs to stand up for those citizens."
Speaking about her son Mario, she recalled that he was born in New Jersey and never visited Cuba. "He was raised in freedom. He was raised to do good," she said, quoting his words: "I don't do anything wrong. I'm trying to save lives."
Mario Manuel de la Peña was just 24 years old when he died on February 24, 1996. He was nearing the completion of his studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to become a commercial pilot and volunteered with Brothers to the Rescue, an organization that saved Cuban rafters in the Florida Straits.
The charges were announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche at Miami's Freedom Tower, a symbol of Cuban exile, coinciding with Cuba's Independence Day.
The indictment accuses Castro and five military officers of conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four individual counts of murder.
Key evidence includes a 1996 audio recording of Castro ordering: "Shoot them down at sea when they appear; and don't consult those with the authority."
Additionally, over 10,000 pages of declassified FBI documents reveal the existence of "Operation Venice," planned since February 13, 1996, indicating premeditation.
Miriam concluded the interview with a stern message to the former dictator: "Raúl Castro, you will get what you deserve. You are called out for who you are today. You are a murderer. In the United States, your rights will be respected, and you will serve a just sentence if found guilty, of which I have no doubt."
Legal Actions Against Raúl Castro
What charges have been filed against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro and five military officers have been charged with conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder.
What is the significance of the 1996 audio recording?
The 1996 audio recording is key evidence where Castro allegedly orders the attack on the Brothers to the Rescue planes, demonstrating premeditation.
How has the U.S. Justice Department responded to these events?
The U.S. Department of Justice has formally charged Raúl Castro and others, marking a significant step toward seeking justice for the victims and their families.