In a sharp diplomatic rebuke, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has denounced the recent indictment of revolutionary leader Raul Castro by the United States government, labeling the legal action a "political maneuver" entirely devoid of legal basis.
The tension escalated following a decision by a grand jury from the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida to indict Raul Castro. The charges relate to his alleged role in the 1996 shoot-down of two aircraft operated by "Brothers to the Rescue," a US-based Cuban exile group.
Taking to the social media platform X, President Diaz-Canel argued that the charges are not about justice, but are instead a reflection of the "arrogance and frustration" of US representatives. He suggested that the move is intended to undermine the resolve and unity of the Cuban Revolution's leadership.
According to the Cuban President, the indictment is part of a fabricated narrative designed to justify potential military aggression against the island nation. Diaz-Canel accused Washington of manipulating the facts surrounding the events of February 24, 1996, asserting that Cuba acted in "legitimate self-defense" within its own territorial waters.
The Cuban government maintains that members of the Miami-based organization repeatedly violated Cuban airspace. President Diaz-Canel stated that Cuba issued more than a dozen warnings that were ignored by the US government. He emphasized that documentary evidence proves Cuba did not act recklessly nor violate international law.
Reflecting on the legacy of the 94-year-old former leader, who served as Cuba's minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces during the 1996 incident, Diaz-Canel described Raul Castro as a statesman and guerrilla leader who commands respect globally. He characterized the US legal efforts as a "ridiculous attempt" to diminish Castro's status as a hero.
Reference(s):
Cuban president: US indictment of Raul Castro is 'political maneuver'
cgtn.com
