Florida charges Raúl Castro over 1996 civilian aircraft shootdown
Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 19 Oct, 18:02 · Archive
Florida has secured an arrest warrant charging former Cuban President Raúl Castro with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an arrest warrant charging Raúl Castro, 95, with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft. The charge is a first-degree felony with no bond ordered. On 24 February 1996, three unarmed Cessna aircraft departed Opa-Locka Airport in Miami-Dade County. After crossing international waters, Cuban MiG fighter jets destroyed two of the planes with air-to-air missiles, killing Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, Mario de la Peña and Armando Alejandre Jr. The aircraft received no warning despite having contact with Havana air traffic control.
According to court documents, Castro, then Cuba's defence minister and first vice president, gave final authorisation for the shootdown. The affidavit alleges Castro had given standing orders to military leaders to 'shoot them down at sea when they show up'. Cuban Directorate of Intelligence agents, operating as part of the Wasp Network, infiltrated Brothers to the Rescue in the Miami area and Florida Keys and reported the planes' flight plans to support the operation.
The state charges build on a federal indictment announced in May that included charges of murder and destruction of an aeroplane. Attorney General Uthmeier acknowledged uncertainty over whether Castro will face trial, saying the arrest warrant would restrict his ability to leave Cuba or travel to countries with extradition agreements with the United States.
How it is being reported
- Florida brings more charges against former Cuba president Raul CastroFormer Cuban President Raúl Castro is facing more charges in Florida related to the 1996 downing of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles after the U.S. government indicted the former leader earlier this year.Clickorlando · 19 Oct, 17:26
- Florida brings more charges against former Cuba president Raul CastroFormer Cuban President Raúl Castro is facing more charges in Florida related to the 1996 downing of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles after the U.S. government indicted the former leader earlier this year.News4Jax · 19 Oct, 17:26
- Uthmeier announces warrant charging Raúl Castro in 1996 shootdown of 2 civilian aircraftFlorida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced that state prosecutors have secured an arrest warrant charging Raúl Modesto Castro Ruz with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft over international waters.News4Jax · 19 Oct, 16:14
In this story: Raúl Castro · Florida · Cuba · Brothers to the Rescue · James Uthmeier
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