The U.S. Department of Justice is preparing to seek an indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro amid a new escalation in relations between Washington and Havana. This was reported by the Associated Press, citing sources, according to UNN.
Details
According to the AP, the potential indictment could be linked to the 1996 shootdown of four aircraft belonging to the Miami-based organization "Brothers to the Rescue." At that time, Raúl Castro served as Cuba's Minister of Defense. Agency sources claim that the indictment has yet to be approved by a grand jury.
CIA Director delivered a message from Trump to Cuba - Reuters15.05.26, 13:05
Cuban authorities have not yet commented on the information regarding the possible criminal prosecution of Castro. At the same time, the AP notes that such a move could sharply escalate tensions between the U.S. and Cuba.
U.S. increases pressure on Havana following events in Venezuela
Following the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the U.S. military in January, the Donald Trump administration has ramped up pressure on Cuba, a Venezuelan ally. The U.S. has imposed harsh economic restrictions which, according to the AP, have led to fuel shortages and large-scale power outages on the island.
Richard Feinberg, a professor at the University of California, believes that a potential indictment of Raúl Castro would have a political effect for voters in Florida but is unlikely to lead to a military scenario against Cuba.
There is no simple Venezuelan copy
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