The White House made him the face of its deportation campaign.

And now a federal judge in Tennessee has dismissed the criminal case against Kilmer

Abrigo Garcia.

I'm Ayesha Roscoe.

And I'm Scott Simon and this is up first from NPR News.

The judge said the prosecution was vindictive and singled out the acting attorney general for criticism.

We have details.

Also, what Cuba's diplomatic representative to the U.S. has to say about Washington's demands for her country.

Our independence, our sovereignty, our right to self-determination, a legal order, our political system that won't be never on the table.

And a look at electricity rates as we enter warmer weather.

So please stay with us.

We've got the news you need to start your weekend.

And we'll start today with Cuba and the pressure the U.S. is bringing to bear on Havana.

Washington has announced criminal charges against former President Raul Castro,

at the same time a U.S. aircraft carrier was moving through the Caribbean.

Speaking to NPR, the Cuban ambassador to the United States, Lianos Torres Rivera, says Cuba does not want to war with the United States.

Cuba is a country of peace.

Cuba is not a threat to the U.S.

Cuba wants only to have a future that is decided by the Cubans without interference.

NPR international correspondent, Ider Peralta, is covering it all.

Adir, thanks so much for being with us.

Hey, good morning, Scott.

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