The Cuban State Council, acting on behalf of the National Assembly of People's Power, issued a formal statement on Thursday strongly condemning the criminal charges filed by the United States Department of Justice against Army General Raúl Castro Ruz.
The federal indictment, which was unsealed last Wednesday, was handed down by a Miami grand jury on April 23 and publicly announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche at the Freedom Tower in the city.
The charges against Castro include conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, aircraft destruction, and four counts of homicide related to the deaths of Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. These four Cuban Americans were killed when Cuban military jets shot down two planes from the Brothers to the Rescue organization over the Florida Straits on February 24, 1996.
The Cuban State Council labeled the indictment as "infamous" and an "illegitimate and despicable act," claiming it is part of a "dishonest and politically motivated manipulation" that distorts the events surrounding the shootdown.
"We denounce that the United States government is using legal institutions to orchestrate its genocidal policy against the Cuban Revolution. In doing so, it disregards the principles of International Law and undermines the sovereignty and dignity of our nation," the document signed in Havana states.
The statement also "categorically" rejects executive orders from President Donald Trump, describing them as "deceitful and immoral accusations against high-ranking Cuban State and Government officials."
Institutional Reaction and Global Response
The regime's institutional reaction aligns with previous statements by other officials. President Miguel Díaz-Canel dismissed the indictment as a "political action, devoid of any legal basis," and remarked, "To me, Raúl Castro has been a mentor." Prime Minister Manuel Marrero also defended the former leader, accusing Washington of staging a "charade."
The regime transformed workplaces into sites of protest against the indictment and organized an anti-imperialist platform, while China also voiced support for Raúl Castro following the Department of Justice's announcement.
Details of the Indictment and International Findings
The charges rely, among other evidence, on a June 1996 audio recording allegedly featuring Raúl Castro describing the order to shoot down the planes. The International Civil Aviation Organization concluded in July of that year that the shootdown occurred in international airspace, between nine and ten nautical miles from the Cuban coast, contradicting Havana's official narrative.
In addition to Castro, the federal indictment names five former Cuban military officials: Lorenzo Alberto Pérez-Pérez, Emilio José Palacio Blanco, José Fidel Gual Barzaga, Raúl Simanca Cárdenas, and Luis Raúl González-Pardo Rodríguez.
The practical implications of the charges are largely symbolic; Raúl Castro, aged 95, has never been under U.S. jurisdiction, and there is no extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States. However, if ever tried, he could face a life sentence according to the charges filed by the federal prosecutor's office in the Southern District of Florida.
Implications of the Raúl Castro Indictment
What charges are being brought against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro faces charges of conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, aircraft destruction, and four counts of homicide related to the 1996 shootdown of planes from the Brothers to the Rescue organization.
How has the Cuban government responded to the indictment?
The Cuban government has strongly condemned the indictment, calling it an illegitimate act and accusing the U.S. of manipulating legal institutions to further its policies against the Cuban Revolution.
What is the international stance on the indictment?
Internationally, the indictment has drawn criticism from Cuba, with countries like China supporting Raúl Castro, viewing the charges as politically motivated.