Senator Ashley Moody has declared that criminal charges against Raúl Castro for the downing of the Brothers to the Rescue planes were feasible years ago. The primary hurdle was the lack of political resolve from previous administrations to proceed.
In a candid discussion with Radio Martí, Moody expressed, "We absolutely knew it could be done if we had an administration courageous enough to demand it. This was never a case of uncertainty about who gave the order. The directive to shoot down planes with Americans aboard was clear."
Moody, who served as Florida's Attorney General from 2019 to January 2025, participated in the official ceremony on May 20 at Miami's Freedom Tower, where she read the indictment aloud to the Cuban exile community.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Raúl Castro
"This is a murder case," Moody summarized, outlining the gravity of the charges.
Raúl Castro is facing seven criminal charges in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Florida: one for conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, four individual murder charges—one for each victim—and two counts of aircraft destruction. If found guilty, he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Background of the Case
The case dates back to February 24, 1996, when Cuban Air Force jets shot down two unarmed Cessna planes from Brothers to the Rescue over international waters in the Florida Straits, killing four Cuban Americans: Armando Alejandre Jr., Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales. Their bodies were never recovered.
The indictment is supported by a June 1996 audio recording in which Castro admits issuing the order, as well as over 10,000 pages of declassified FBI documents revealing the existence of "Operation Venice," planned since February 13 of that year.
Challenges in Extradition
Discussing the next steps, Moody warned that the extradition process "will be incredibly difficult," given that most of the accused, including Castro, are in Cuba, and there is no extradition treaty between the two countries.
However, she emphasized that the indictment itself is the essential first step: "We've only had one person actually convicted for this heinous shootdown," referring to Cuban spy Gerardo Hernández, who was released in a December 2014 prisoner exchange.
Moody, appointed senator by Governor Ron DeSantis to fill the seat vacated by Marco Rubio when he became Secretary of State, concluded the interview with a direct message from the Trump administration: "If you go against an American citizen, if you harm an American citizen, we will track you down wherever you are."
Reaction from the Cuban Regime
The Cuban regime swiftly rejected the charges: Miguel Díaz-Canel called them a "political action with no legal basis" and claimed self-defense, while Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez labeled Rubio a "spokesperson for corrupt and revengeful interests."
Castro, now 94, has held no formal positions since 2021 and will turn 95 on June 3.
FAQs on Raúl Castro's Criminal Charges
What charges is Raúl Castro facing?
Raúl Castro is charged with one count of conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, four counts of individual murder, and two counts of aircraft destruction.
When did the incident involving the Brothers to the Rescue planes occur?
The incident occurred on February 24, 1996, when Cuban jets shot down two unarmed Cessna planes over international waters in the Florida Straits.
Why is the extradition of Raúl Castro challenging?
Extradition is challenging because Raúl Castro is in Cuba, and there is no extradition treaty between Cuba and the United States.