Accused Former US Ambassador Pleads Not Guilty to Spying for Cuba

Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. diplomat, was arrested and charged with serving as a secret agent of Cuba, allegedly dating back to the 1970s. Despite red flags and missed clues, including a tip in 2006, Rocha avoided scrutiny for decades. The case raises questions about what information Rocha may have given to Cuba, with suspicions that he may have been part of a Cuban spy ring. His alleged betrayal includes intervening in a Bolivian presidential election to help a Castro protégé. Rocha, who pleaded not guilty, had a successful post-diplomatic career and was known for his anti-communist stance, which made his alleged espionage surprising to those who knew him.