Miami judge issues arrest warrant for Raul Castro over 1996 plane shootdown

A Miami judge has signed an arrest warrant for former Cuban President Raul Castro, accusing him of conspiring to commit first-degree murder related to the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes, according to reports from Newstalk1230.iheart.com and the Miami Herald.

The incident involved the Miami-based nonprofit Brothers to the Rescue, formed by Cuban exiles. On February 24, 1996, Cuban fighter jets shot down two of the group's planes, killing four people, including three U.S. citizens. Both the United States and a United Nations investigation concluded the shootdown occurred over international waters, despite Cuba's claim that the planes were in its airspace.

Florida authorities claim jurisdiction because two Cuban spies allegedly infiltrated Brothers to the Rescue in Miami and Key West, transmitting flight information to Cuban authorities. The affidavit states there is probable cause to believe Raul Castro agreed with others to commit first-degree murder of persons aboard the aircraft.

This is the second arrest warrant issued against Castro for the incident. The U.S. Justice Department charged him in May with murder and conspiracy to kill. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a state-level criminal investigation earlier this year and is expected to hold a news conference in Miami to discuss the warrant.

The warrant is a significant development in efforts to hold Castro accountable, especially given Florida's large Cuban diaspora. State authorities are seeking full extradition of Castro if he is arrested outside Florida.