Castro Victim's Family Wins Record Verdict

Two Miami residents won a record $253 million lawsuit against Cuba yesterday after Florida jurors approved a wrongful death claim on behalf of their father. The case involved the death of Rafael del Pino, a naturalized US citizen and ex-Castro ally who was imprisoned after turning against the Cuban dictator, the Miami Herald reports. Del Pino’s relatives said the government tortured him, and he died after 18 years in prison at age 51.

The award was five times the amount the family requested. One juror explained, “We wanted to send a message to the world that countries don’t mess with US citizens.” But it’s unlikely the del Pinos will get their money. because of low funds in a frozen Cuban account in the US. (More Cuba stories.)