The regime led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo released an official statement yesterday, expressing solid support for Raúl Castro and the Cuban leadership. This announcement came a day after the U.S. Department of Justice unveiled formal charges against the former Cuban leader for the 1996 downing of two civilian aircrafts belonging to Brothers to the Rescue.
The statement, titled "Cuba, Power of Common Good," was issued from Managua on May 21 under the name of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and shared through the Cuban regime's embassy and consulate networks.
Within the document, Ortega and Murillo conveyed to Raúl Castro their "steadfast, consistent, and loyal Brotherhood and Solidarity," while honoring Fidel Castro as the "Eternal Leader."
The statement harshly criticizes the U.S. charges, stating, "We strongly condemn the disrespect violating all Principles and Values of the United Nations," referring to the indictment by Washington.
Ortega and Murillo described the current situation as "extremely dangerous and harmful for the Peoples who have fought so hard for our Sovereignty, Dignity, and Rights," concluding with, "Raúl and Fidel, Leaders of Heroic and Victorious Peoples."
The catalyst for this statement was the formal indictment of Raúl Castro, declassified last Wednesday by the Department of Justice, accusing him of authorizing lethal force against the civilian planes during his tenure as Minister of the Armed Forces.
The charges, approved by a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida on April 23, include conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder for the deaths of Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales, all Cuban-Americans.
The alleged offenses could result in the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Managua's support comes amid increasing pressure from Washington on the Sandinista regime: in April, the U.S. executed its most extensive sanctions campaign against Nicaragua, targeting two of Ortega and Murillo's children and seven gold sector companies.
Simultaneously, Nicaragua deepened its ties with Russia in May 2026, signing eight new agreements in security, criminal cooperation, extradition, and intelligence, strengthening its alignment with authoritarian regimes.
In Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime publicly justified the 1996 shootdown and organized public transportation for a Friday event supporting Raúl Castro. Meanwhile, the Cuban-American community and U.S. lawmakers hailed the charges as a historic step towards justice for the four victims of the incident.
Key Questions on Nicaragua's Support for Raúl Castro
Why did Nicaragua express support for Raúl Castro?
Nicaragua's support for Raúl Castro was in response to the U.S. Department of Justice's charges against him for the 1996 downing of two civilian aircrafts. This aligns with their political stance and solidarity with the Cuban leadership.
What are the charges against Raúl Castro?
Raúl Castro faces charges including conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder related to the 1996 shootdown of civilian planes.
How has the U.S. responded to Nicaragua's stance?
The U.S. has ramped up sanctions against the Nicaraguan regime, targeting key figures and businesses associated with Ortega and Murillo, as part of a broader strategy to apply pressure.