Raul Castro Reappears in Havana Following U.S. Indictment

Under the shadow of fresh murder charges filed by U.S. authorities, Raul Castro made his first public appearance at an Interior Ministry event in Havana. The state-televised broadcast marked a notable return to the spotlight for the 95-year-old former leader, who had remained absent from public view since mid-May.

The Trump administration recently unveiled an indictment accusing Castro of orchestrating the 1996 downing of civilian planes flown by Cuban exiles. Prosecutors allege that as defense minister, Castro personally ordered military jets to target the aircraft, an escalation that intensifies diplomatic friction between Washington and Havana.

Before this appearance, Castro’s whereabouts had been subject to speculation, as he was last seen during the May Day celebrations. His previous documented public activity occurred on January 15, when he honored soldiers killed during the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.