Trump eyes dramatic accusation tied to Castro’s past
Former President of Cuba Raúl Castro (Photo: Getty Images)
The US plans to file charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, in what would be another move to pressure Havana. The charges against the 94‑year‑old brother of Fidel Castro relate to the 1996 incident in which Cuba shot down a humanitarian aircraft, according to CBS News.
At the time of the incident, Raúl Castro served as the country’s defense minister. It was then that Cuba’s air defense forces shot down two small Cessna planes belonging to the Brothers to the Rescue humanitarian mission.
That group searched for and helped rescue people trying to leave the Island of Freedom and make their way to the US. On that day, mission members were dropping leaflets off the coast when the military opened fire on the planes, killing four people.
The potential indictment is expected to be approved by a grand jury in the US. US media believe that this is how Trump is activating yet another lever of pressure against Havana.
What led up to this charge
The possible indictment of Raúl Castro is the latest step in ramping up pressure on the island’s communist government. In addition to the naval blockade, which has caused massive blackouts and economic collapse, the US has imposed sanctions on Havana officials.
Moreover, Washington has left Cuba without nickel. Canadian mining company Sherritt, following Trump’s demands, is leaving the Island of Freedom, delivering another blow to the country’s economy.
What is currently happening in Cuba
Mass protests recently erupted there due to a total blackout. The government has admitted that the island has run out of oil.
Hospitals are cancelling non‑emergency surgeries. Food distribution has been disrupted, and garbage is not being collected, creating a high risk of epidemics. Gasoline and diesel on the black market cost $8 per litre.
Additionally, the US has begun unusual activity near Cuba — launching massive aerial surveillance. Analysts have already drawn parallels between this and the events in Venezuela and Iran.
