Cuban dissident dies in car crash

[alp227]

Source: AP

The Cuban activist Oswaldo Payá, who spent decades speaking out against the communist government of Fidel and Raúl Castro, has died in a car crash. He was 60.

Payá and a Cuban man described by media as a fellow activist, Harold Cepero Escalante, died in a one-car crash in La Gavina, just outside the eastern city of Bayamo, Cuban authorities said. A Spaniard and a Swede also riding in the car were injured.

Witnesses said the driver of the rental car lost control and struck a tree, according to Cuba's International Press Centre. Police are investigating.

"This Sunday has been a day of mourning. A terrible tragedy for his family and a loss for the opposition movement," said Elizardo Sánchez, a human rights advocate and de facto spokesperson for Cuba's small opposition. "He was a prominent leader. He dedicated years of his life to fighting for democracy."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jul/23/cuban-dissident-dies-car-crash

[secondwind]

1. Very sad. We were in Havana in April 2011, those people are are living in hell in

many ways.. Don't let anyone fool you.

[carla]

5. And I wish to

say that last time I was in the USA, "those people are living in a hell in many ways." Cubans are happier and freer than the folks 90 miles north. This is based on regular trips to the island, not just La Habana. You don't know what you are talking about or you have an agenda that is not Cuba friendly, despite your visit.

[dipsydoodle]

11. Don't need anyone to fool me.

I've spent 6 weeks there over the past two years and have no agreement with your comment whatsoever.

[joshcryer]

2. Eliécer Ávila is going to be in a position to effectively take his place.

I know Eliécer Ávila doesn't want to be a leader but the best leaders are those who are forced into the situation due to their circumstances (see: Mandela or MLK who were both thrust into their positions due to public admiration and support for their views).

Eliécer Ávila has opened up a dialog in Cuba that arguably transcends that of Paya. One that those on the authoritarian left would rather be kept silent.

[nanabugg]

3. You know Raul planted that tree right in their path. Right? nt

[MADem]

4. Al Jazeera seems to think so...

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2012/07/201272314520800791.html

At least their headline is very suggestive, with the odd quotes around 'dies in car crash.'

Single car crashes are a great way for repressive regimes to rid themselves of troublemakers, historically.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to check the brake lines and steering on that car. You never know...

[AlphaCentauri]

6. Paya was an obstacle for those who want to change the Cuban constitution

Paya wanted to modify the Cuban constitution partially to allow more freedoms but that wasn't enough for those who want to take over Cuba.

[flamingdem]

8. bingo - that is true but lately he had been taking funds from USAID

Not in a big way - here's the article

http://www.democraticunderground.com/11084275

[joshcryer]

13. Only Granma could characterize professors meeting to discuss policy as mercenaries.

Fucking loaded propaganda.

He should be alive right now, in a Cuban jail, if he was breaking any Cuban laws. It's just loaded propaganda.

[dipsydoodle]

7. Well it will give the Miami Mafia something to talk about for a few days.

There were two survivors who should be able to explain how the crash occurred.

[flamingdem]

9. They are right wing representatives

The Spaniard was driving. He has every reason to find another fault other than his own driving, because he could go to prison.

[dipsydoodle]

10. I'd misinterpreted how many were in the car

and had thought there was a driver plus the other four. Thanks for the correction.

[joshcryer]

12. Haha! I told you that you wouldn't believe their account.

Fucking rich.

[joshcryer]

14. Indeed, I'm waiting to hear what the survivors say.

Drunk driving, bad roads, or some sort of aggressive driving by someone else could all be factors.

I will not take what the state media has to say at face value though I don't rule it out.