‘Time does not erase murder.’ Miami leaders react to Raul Castro’s indictment

Former Cuban president Raul Castro was indicted Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Justice for his role in the 1996 shoot-down of civilian rescue planes.

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Here’s what South Florida leaders are saying about the news:

U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, R-Miami: Emphasized that Castro’s indictment was long overdue “For far too long, previous administrations turned a blind eye to justice for the three American citizens and one lawful permanent resident who were brutally and unjustifiably murdered under the direct orders of Raúl Castro.”

Miami City Commissioner Rolando Escalona: The commissioner was born in Cuba and whose district includes Little Havana, said that the indictment “is a powerful and historic step toward accountability and justice.” “For too long, the Cuban regime believed it could murder innocent men and commit acts of repression without consequences,” Escalona said. “This indictment sends a clear message that those responsible for these crimes will continue to be confronted with the truth and held accountable for their actions.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava: The mayor considers the indictment a “long-overdue step toward accountability.”

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Miami-Dade Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis: “Today, every communist regime thug, dictator, and oppressor around the world should understand something clearly: time does not erase murder, and the United States will not forget its victims,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Miami: Lamended the lives lost in the 1996 incident and considered it crime by the Castro regime “against innocent Americans flying humanitarian missions.” “Justice has been delayed for decades, but the Cuban dictatorship must finally answer for its crimes. The brutal shootdown of the Brothers to the Rescue planes was not an accident or a misunderstanding — it was a cold-blooded act of murder carried out by the Castro regime against innocent Americans flying humanitarian missions.”

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This story will be updated.