On Thursday, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz publicly conveyed support and congratulations to Raúl Castro, who faces charges from the United States for the 1996 downing of two Brothers to the Rescue planes. Marrero's words reflect the Cuban regime's stance against international pressure: "Congratulations on your upcoming birthday and long life, because we need you."
Marrero's remarks were delivered at a public event as part of nationwide rallies organized by the regime to show solidarity with the former leader following the U.S. federal indictment announced by the Justice Department on Wednesday.
"We must send our support to Raúl from this stage," declared the prime minister, concluding with the rallying cry: "Raúl, we stand with you!"
Simultaneously, Marrero took to social media platform X to post a series of messages under the hashtag #95DeRaúl, referencing Castro's forthcoming 95th birthday on June 3, 2026.
"The Cuban people are with Raúl! This support is genuine, rooted in deep feelings of love, respect, and admiration. Our people, who have produced extraordinary individuals, understand where the truth lies. The integrity of the General of the Army is beyond question," Marrero wrote.
In another post, Marrero used rhetorical irony to shield the former leader: "Raúl can be accused, indeed, of being dignified, modest as his name, steadfast, humane, a family man and revolutionary, a follower of Fidel, the greatest of all. Raúl can be accused, indeed, of being an example."
The statements came just two days after the U.S. Department of Justice filed federal criminal charges against Castro over his role in the February 24, 1996, downing of civilian aircraft, which resulted in the deaths of four U.S. citizens: Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario Manuel de la Peña, and Pablo Morales.
The charges, including conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four individual counts of homicide, were approved by a federal grand jury in Miami on April 23, 2026, though they were unsealed on Wednesday, coinciding with Cuban Independence Day.
A key piece of evidence in the indictment is a June 1996 audio recording of Castro allegedly ordering the shootdown: "Shoot them down over the sea when they appear." The case is supported by over 10,000 pages of declassified FBI documents related to "Operation Venice."
On the day of the announcement, Marrero dismissed the indictment as a "fabrication by Washington" and justified the shootdown as "legitimate defense," while Miguel Díaz-Canel labeled it a "political action, without any legal basis."
The charges are primarily symbolic, as Castro, aged 94, has never set foot on U.S. soil, and there is no extradition treaty between the two nations.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was firm in announcing the charges from Miami's Freedom Tower: "For nearly 30 years, the families of four murdered Americans have awaited justice. If you kill Americans, we will pursue you."
Key Questions Surrounding the Raúl Castro Indictment
What are the charges against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro faces charges including conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, destruction of aircraft, and four individual counts of homicide related to the 1996 shootdown of civilian planes.
How has the Cuban regime responded to the indictment?
The Cuban regime, represented by officials like Manuel Marrero, has dismissed the charges as politically motivated fabrications and defended the actions as legitimate defense.
What evidence supports the charges against Castro?
The indictment is supported by a 1996 audio recording of Castro allegedly ordering the shootdown, along with over 10,000 pages of declassified FBI documents related to the incident.
Is there a possibility of extradition for Raúl Castro?
Extradition is unlikely as there is no extradition treaty between the United States and Cuba, and Castro has never set foot on U.S. soil.