FIRST ON FOX: Cuban-American lawmakers are welcoming a Florida arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over his alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft, saying the move marks a new step toward accountability for the communist regime and vowing to keep fighting for freedom on the island.The warrant comes after Ariana Fajardo Orshan, chief judge of Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit, found probable cause to believe Castro conspired to commit first-degree murder in connection with the shootdown of two Miami-based civilian aircraft involved in a humanitarian operation near Cuba in 1996."As the only Cuban-born member of Congress, this moment is deeply personal," Rep.Carlos Giménez, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital.
"For decades, Raúl Castro and his communist regime have oppressed the Cuban people while evading accountability."Cuban President Raul Castro speaks during a memorial tribute for his brother former President of Cuba Fidel Castro at the Antonio Maceo Revolution Square before his burial tomorrow on Dec.3, 2016, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Giménez described the warrant as a "powerful message" in the "pursuit of justice," adding that those responsible for the suffering of the Cuban people could soon "answer for their crimes.""No previous administration has taken this historic step, and our community is eternally grateful for it," he continued.
"For the millions of Cubans who have suffered under this tyranny, including those of us forced into exile, this represents a significant moment in our decades-long struggle for freedom."CUBAN AMERICAN LAWMAKERS WARN CUBA IS CLOSER THAN EVER TO REGIME CHANGE UNDER TRUMP ADMINISTRATIONUthmeier told Fox News Digital that Castro allegedly "ordered" the "premeditated, state-sanctioned murder of four Floridians in cold blood," calling the warrant "a step toward accountability" for the conspiracy that led to the deaths of Carlos Costa, Pablo Morales, Mario de la Peña and Ar...