The key facts
- Florida issued an arrest warrant for Raúl Castro in the case of the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue aircraft; four people were killed.
- PSUV called the warrant an attempt at intimidation and a violation of international law, and called on the region to support Cuba.
- Cuba claims the aircraft were in its airspace; ICAO concluded they were shot down over international waters.
The arrest warrant and Venezuela's reaction
Venezuela's ruling United Socialist Party (PSUV) on Wednesday condemned the arrest warrant for former Cuban President Raúl Castro issued in the US state of Florida, calling it an attempt to intimidate the Cuban leader. The party expressed solidarity with Cuba and rejected the warrant, stating that, in its view, it has no legal grounds and violates international law and Cuba's sovereignty.
Call to the region and the context of pressure on Havana
PSUV called on the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to take action in support of the island, linking the case to broader US pressure on Havana. According to the party, the American economic embargo against Cuba has intensified since January, creating additional pressure on the country's population. PSUV also reaffirmed its support for Cuba's independence and the right of its people to self-determination.
The essence of the 1996 case
The warrant concerns the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft of the organization Brothers to the Rescue — a Miami-based group of Cuban emigrants. Four people were killed. At the time, Castro held the post of Cuba's defense minister; American authorities claim he participated in authorizing the attack. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier stated that the state would seek accountability for the deaths. The warrant could expose Castro to the risk of arrest in jurisdictions willing to extradite him to Florida.
Dispute over the shootdown location and tensions in relations
Cuba maintains that the aircraft entered its airspace, whereas the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded that they were shot down over international waters. The new case in Florida adds to years of American legal actions over the incident and comes amid continued tension between the two governments over sanctions and pressure on Cuba; the situation has further complicated relations between Washington and Havana.
