Cuban prosecutors have formally charged six people with terrorism after a US-flagged speedboat was involved in a deadly shootout with Cuba's coast guard last week. The defendants, all Cuban exiles based in the United States, are accused of packing the boat with weapons and heading toward Cuba with the intent to destabilise the government in Havana.
The coast guard shot and killed four other people aboard the boat, which came within one nautical mile of Cuba's shores during the incident on 25 February. At least two of those on the speedboat were US citizens, one of whom was killed. The defendants will be remanded into provisional detention, according to a statement from the attorney general's office.
Cuban officials allege the infiltrators carried nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 13 rifles and 11 pistols. State television displayed the captured armaments and showed pictures of the vessels peppered with bullet holes from the firefight, which they said took place at a range of 20 metres. Cuba's interior ministry claimed the men came from the US with the intent to sow chaos and attack military units on the island.
Prosecutor Edward Robert Campbell told state television that the accused face charges including crimes associated with terrorist acts. If convicted, they could face prison terms of up to 15 years for lesser offences and 20 to 30 years – or the death penalty – for more serious charges. At least two of those in custody had been previously placed on a list of accused terrorists.
US politicians have expressed scepticism over Cuba's version of events, calling for independent investigations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was not a US operation and that no US government personnel were involved. Last week, Havana said Washington was willing to cooperate in the investigation.
