On February 24, 1996, Castro ordered the murder of Brothers to the Rescue pilots who were conducting a peaceful mission to save refugees fleeing Castro’s brutal regime in rafts and boats. Not only does Judicial Watch have evidence linking Castro to this crime, but the Cuban dictator himself admitted responsibility in a September 3, 1996 interview with CBS Newsman Dan Rather. "In fact they had the authority to do it," said Castro referring to soldiers in the Cuban Air Force, "and I assume the responsibility."

Precedent in JW’s case is strongly on the side of Mr. Basulto. The Cuban government has already defaulted in other suits on behalf of the families of the slain BTR pilots, resulting in $187 million in assessed damages. Another $27.1 million was awarded to the wife of a Cuban spy who sued Cuba for rape. Millions of dollars in frozen Cuban assets held in the U.S. have been awarded in other judgments against Castro.

Mr. Basulto seeks $40 million in damages, but will donate any and all funds he collects to people and groups trying to bring democracy to Cuba.