Judicial Watch obtained a $1.4 million judgment in favor of Jose J. Basulto, founder of the Miami-based humanitarian organization Brothers to the Rescue, which advocates the non-violent establishment of democracy in Cuba and flies search and rescue missions to save the lives of Cuban refugees attempting to flee Fidel Castro’s oppressive regime across the Florida Straits.
The lawsuit arose from an unprovoked attack by Cuban Air Force fighter planes on three small, civilian aircraft flown by Brothers to the Rescue members over international waters. A plane piloted by Mr. Basulto was chased and fired upon before it was able to escape and land safely at Opa Locka airport in Florida. Two other planes were shot down, killing four of Mr. Basulto’s colleagues.
Judicial Watch represented Mr. Basulto and, after an evidentiary hearing, a federal court in Miami awarded him a $1.4 million default judgment. The case demonstrates Judicial Watch’s ability to use the U.S. courts to seek redress for crimes against humanity by international dictators like Fidel Castro.
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