It’s been five months, but Fidel Castro’s face has finally been released on photograph for the public again.
The state-run newspaper Granma first published the picture of the 88-year-old former leader with his wife Dalia at a sit-down discussion with the leader of a local students’ union. The picture is aimed at settling long-running rumors that Mr. Castro was near death from illness, Agence France-Presse reported.
The headline on the publication read, “Fidel is extraordinary,” AFP said.
Mr. Castro hasn’t been seen in public since Jan. 8, 2014, at an art gallery opening. Rumors of his illness — and near-death status — have been rippling through Cuba and onto the international arena since he stepped down from office in 2006 due to a health issue.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.