US raises pressure on Cuba with indictment of former leader as island’s president condemns charges

Prosecutors charged former Cuban President Raúl Castro in the 1996 downing of two civilian planes. Acting AG Todd Blanche announced murder and conspiracy charges, stating it’s been long overdue for justice. President Trump called it a “very big day” but doesn’t foresee further escalation with Cuba. Díaz-Canel condemned the indictment as a political stunt.