The Florida Attorney General announced the reopening of a criminal investigation into the shooting down of two aircraft belonging to the organization Brothers to the Rescue in 1996, and its head, James Uthmeier, stated that he hopes to work with the Trump Administration to ensure that those responsible "are held accountable."
According to the intervention of the prosecutor, the reactivation of the case could even lead to a formal charge against Raúl Castro.
Uthmeier confirmed the decision in statements to journalists, explaining that the case was reopened following the recent 30th anniversary of the tragedy.
The case refers to the attack carried out on February 24, 1996, when Cuban combat aircraft shot down two civilian planes belonging to Hermanos al Rescate in the Florida Straits, resulting in the deaths of four Cuban-American activists.
"It was a terrible tragedy where the aircraft of Brothers to the Rescue were shot down by the Cuban government. I don't believe that is in dispute," stated the Florida Attorney General, according to the document submitted.
This formulation places the reopening of the process in a line of continuity with the historical complaints from the Cuban exile community and U.S. authorities regarding the Cuban regime's responsibility in the attack.
Background of the research
The official explained that years ago, a state-level investigation had already been initiated to look into possible crimes related to the case that affected citizens of Florida.
However, he noted that during President Joe Biden's administration, that process was halted and ceased to progress. “When this came to my attention, we reactivated the case. So yes, that investigation will continue,” he stated.
Uthmeier added that there is currently a close working relationship between the authorities in Florida and the federal government of the United States, a situation that, he said, will allow for coordinated efforts.
In that context, he stated the phrase that defines this new phase of the case: “We hope to work with the Trump Administration to hold those responsible accountable.”
Although he avoided providing further details about the exact course of the investigation, the prosecutor made it clear that authorities will seek to establish responsibility if it is confirmed that citizens of Florida were victims of crimes defined under state or federal laws.
"I can't say much more at the moment, but we will continue that investigation," he stated.
This reopening is linked to a renewed political and symbolic momentum in South Florida.
Recently, on the 30th anniversary of the downing of the planes, the Cuban exile community renewed its demand for Raúl Castro to be prosecuted for the deaths of the four crew members.
At a commemorative event held in the southern part of the state, several Cuban-American congress members joined the families of the victims to remember the attack and reiterate the call for justice.
The Florida attorney Willy Allen explained to CiberCuba that it would be legally possible to file a case against Raúl Castro in the United States for those events, which took place in international waters north of Havana.
Nonetheless, Allen found it very difficult for that process to be realized in practice.
According to the text, the lawyer expressed that while he would like to see high-ranking officials of the Cuban regime brought to trial, he does not believe it is likely that Raúl Castro or the generals allegedly involved will be taken to New York to answer for justice, despite the death of four people, including three American citizens and a resident.
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