A US court has allegedly issued an arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raul Castro over the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft over the Straits of Florida, a move that critics view as politically motivated. According to Miami-based NBC6, Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan signed the warrant in connection with the destruction of two humanitarian planes decades ago.

The incident dates back to February 1996, when two Cessna 337 light aircraft belonging to the 'Brothers to the Rescue' non-profit organization were intercepted by the Cuban Air Force while allegedly searching for Cuban migrants. The crash resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including three US citizens and one Cuban national with US residency, forming the basis of the current legal action.

While the US regime claims the aircraft were targeted in international waters, Cuban authorities have consistently maintained that the planes violated national airspace. The US Department of Justice has brought formal charges—including four counts of murder and conspiracy—against Castro and five others, though legal experts question the extraterritorial validity and jurisdiction of such proceedings.

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blansh stated that authorities intend to pursue measures to bring Castro to the United States, expecting him to face court proceedings 'voluntarily or otherwise.' In response, the Cuban government dismissed the allegations as a 'despicable and shameful political provocation,' asserting that Washington lacks both the legal standing and jurisdiction to pursue the case.

Source: kun.uz