US authorities accuse the 94-year-old former leader of conspiring to assassinate four Cuban-Americans during the downing of two civilian aircraft.

Washington indicts former Cuban president Raúl Castro for murders in 1996
Washington indicts former Cuban president Raúl Castro for murders in 1996

US authorities on Wednesday indicted former Cuban president Raúl Castro, 94, in a case dating back to 1996. Fidel Castro's brother is accused of conspiracy to assassinate Americans, as well as murder, in connection with the downing of two US civilian airliners. Four Cuban-Americans died in the attacks, which marked a turning point in relations between Washington and Havana. Others are also implicated in this dramatic legal case.

A turning point in relations with Cuba

The events date back 29 years, but the United States is now crossing a new threshold in its campaign of pressure against the Cuban regime. By directly targeting the former leader, Washington is sending a strong political message to Havana. Raúl Castro, who succeeded his brother Fidel before relinquishing power, now faces serious criminal charges brought by a U.S. court. This indictment comes amid persistent tensions between the two countries.

The case initially concerned the deaths of four Cuban-Americans living in the United States. The targeted aircraft were American civilian planes, destroyed in operations attributed to the Havana regime. US authorities waited nearly three decades before officially launching these proceedings against the former head of state. Raúl Castro, now 94 years old, has not publicly responded to these accusations, which reopen a long-dormant case.

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