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Hearing Hearing Date: June 20, 2018 2:00 pm 2247 Rayburn HOB

Holding Cuban Leaders Accountable

Subject
Holding Cuban Leaders Accountable
Date
June 20, 2018
Time
2:00 pm
Place
2247 Rayburn HOB
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PURPOSE:
  • To discuss the Administration’s Cuba policy, review the 1996 shoot down of the Hermanos al Rescate (Brothers to the Rescue) humanitarian aircraft, and examine human rights violations.
BACKGROUND:
  • On February 24, 1996, the humanitarian organization Hermanos al Rescate (Brothers to the Rescue) launched a search and rescue mission for refugees fleeing the oppressive Castro regime in Cuba. Two Cuban MiGs followed the planes and destroyed two small rescue planes with heat seeking missiles killing four men.
  • President Obama visited Cuba in March 2016, becoming the first U.S. president to visit the island since 1928. As part of his Cuban Thaw, President Obama released three of the five Cuban intelligence operatives who were convicted for their role in the Brothers to the Rescue shoot down.
  • In January 2017, the Administration signaled a shift in U.S. policy towards Cuba by curtailing American travel and investment and resumption of the embargo. The Administration has also withdrawn diplomats out of Cuba.
Witnesses and testimonies: Mr. Jason Poblete

Attorney
Poblete Tamargo LLP

Document

Ambassador Roger Noriega

Visiting Fellow
American Enterprise Institute

Document

Ms. Ana Alejandre Ciereszko

Sister of Hermanos al Rescate Pilot, Armando Alejandre Jr.


Document

Ms. Miriam de la Peña

Mother of Hermanos al Rescate Pilot, Mario de la Peña


William LeoGrande

Professor of Government
American University

Document