In Law360’s coverage of the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to unseal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro for the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, Akerman International Practice Chair Pedro Freyre described the indictment as an “inflection point” for the Cuban regime. Pedro explained that Cuba is facing mounting economic and political pressure, citing severe oil shortages, declining tourism, and a stalled economy, which he said leave the government with “not a lot of cards to play.” He noted that the charges send a strong signal that the U.S. is prepared to intensify pressure on Cuba’s leadership and suggested the move reflects a shift away from negotiation toward accountability. Pedro also discussed the potential long-term implications for Cuba’s future, including opportunities for rebuilding key industries such as infrastructure, biotechnology, tourism, and agriculture should political and economic reforms take hold.