US indicts former Cuban president Raul Castro as pressure builds
The US has indicted former Cuban president Raul Castro on charges of murder and conspiracy related to the 1996 downing of two civilian planes. This move has intensified speculation about potential US actions to change the Cuban government. Cuban officials have dismissed the indictment as interference amid ongoing economic struggles in Cuba.
- ▪Raul Castro has been charged with murder, conspiracy to kill Americans, and destruction of aircraft.
- ▪The indictment is linked to the 1996 downing of two civilian planes, resulting in four deaths.
- ▪US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a new path for Cuba's leadership amid the island's economic crisis.
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US indicts former Cuban president Raul Castro as pressure buildsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxFormer Cuban president Raul Castro has been accused by the US of murder, conspiracy to kill Americans, and destruction of aircraft, over the 1996 downing of`two civilian planes manned by anti-Castro pilots.PHOTO: EPAPublished May 21, 2026, 02:22 AMUpdated May 21, 2026, 02:26 AMListenSummariseThe US indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro for murder and conspiracy over 1996 plane downings, fuelling speculation Trump plans to topple Cuba's government.Secretary Marco Rubio urged Cubans to embrace a "new path," choose leaders, and accused Havana of theft, amid Cuba's economic crisis following Venezuelan oil cuts.Cuban President Diaz-Canel dismissed the US-recognised…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.