Trump slams Cuban regime. US files criminal charges against Raúl Castro for downing planes
2026-05-21 09:06:51
TiranaPost
President Donald Trump's administration has filed criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, in a move that is being seen as a major escalation of American pressure on the communist regime in Cuba.
According to US media, the US Department of Justice accuses the 94-year-old of involvement in the 1996 downing of two civilian airliners, an incident that killed four people. US investigators allege that Castro, who was Cuba's defense minister at the time, ordered the attack on the planes of the "Brothers to the Rescue" group, an organization created by Cuban immigrants in the US.
The indictment includes charges of murder, conspiracy to murder American citizens and destruction of aircraft. Several former Cuban military pilots have also been charged along with Castro.
The news has sparked strong reactions in Havana. President Miguel Díaz-Canel called the accusations politically motivated, while the Cuban government accused Washington of increasing tensions between the two countries.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known for his tough stances towards the Cuban regime, declared that the US will continue to pressure Cuba's leadership, accusing it of corruption and worsening the economic crisis on the island.
This move is seen as part of the Trump administration's strategy to further isolate the Cuban regime and increase pressure for political change in the country.
