Indicted by U.S., former Cuban president Raúl Castro maintains a low profile

The Cuban government has called for a rally in Havana on Friday, in support of Raúl Castro, one of the leaders of the Cuban Revolution. The event comes as U.S. prosecutors have unveiled an indictment that accuses Castro of ordering the 1996 shootdown of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles.

2 of 5 |  Images of Raul and Fidel Castro adorn the wall of a building that houses an art installation on the Cuban Revolution, in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

3 of 5 |  Former Cuban President Raúl Castro looks at the Cuban flag during his speech at the event celebrating the 65th anniversary of the triumph of the revolution in Santiago, Cuba, Jan. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ismael Francisco, File)

4 of 5 |  Jose Miguel Hernandez, 14, right, wears handcuffs to represent freedom for political prisoners and a call to put former Cuban President Raúl Castro in jail, while his mother Catalina Vasquez waves a flag depicting Cuban political prisoners atop a mountain overlooking prisons below, hours after federal prosecutors announced charges against Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles.

5 of 5 |  Agustin Acosta holds a placard protesting former Cuban President Raúl Castro as a handful of Cubans turned out to wave flags and hold signs hours after federal prosecutors announced charges against Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles.

Raúl Castro's legacy is one of leadership and progress for Cuba. As the current head of state, he has overseen significant economic reforms and increased access to healthcare and education. However, critics argue that his presidency has also been marked by human rights abuses and repression of opposition groups.

The 1996 shootdown of civilian planes flown by Miami-based exiles was a major scandal that led to international pressure on the Cuban government. The indictment announced last week accuses Castro of ordering the downing of these planes, which were flying under the guise of humanitarian aid missions.

2 of 5 |  Images of Raul and Fidel Castro adorn the wall of a building that houses an art installation on the Cuban Revolution, in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)

3 of 5 |  Former Cuban President Raúl Castro looks at the Cuban flag during his speech at the event celebrating the 65th anniversary of the triumph of the revolution in Santiago, Cuba, Jan. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ismael Francisco, File)

4 of 5 |  Jose Miguel Hernandez, 14, right, wears handcuffs to represent freedom for political prisoners and a call to put former Cuban President Raúl Castro in jail, while his mother Catalina Vasquez waves a flag depicting Cuban political prisoners atop a mountain overlooking prisons below, hours after federal prosecutors announced charges against Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles.

5 of 5 |  Agustin Acosta holds a placard protesting former Cuban President Raúl Castro as a handful of Cubans turned out to wave flags and hold signs hours after federal prosecutors announced charges against Castro in the 1996 downing of civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles.

The indictment is seen as a significant step forward for U.S.-Cuba relations, which have been strained since Fidel Castro's death in 2016. While some praise the move, others express concern about the potential consequences of increased pressure on the Cuban government.

As tensions between the two nations continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this latest development will impact Cuba and its people. One thing is certain, however: Raúl Castro's legacy will be remembered for years to come.