Trial of Spanish politician accused of Cuban dissidents' deaths delays

The trial of the Spanish politician charged with causing the death of Cuban dissident, Oswaldo Payá, has been delayed.

The trial of Angel Carromero was expected to start on Friday, according to two Spanish newspapers. They had reported that Carromero’s trial on charges of vehicular homicide would start in this eastern city, closest to the scene of the July 22 crash in which Payá and dissident Harold Cepero died.

But Cuban authorities made no announcement Friday, and Bayamo residents told reporters here that although there were signs of preparations for an important event at the auditorium of the city’s Manuel Muñoz Cedeño Provincial Art School, no trial had started.

Telephone company workers have been installing equipment in the auditorium for a few days, and neighbors said they believe the Carromero trial could begin next week.

The Spanish embassy in Havana said there was no official information at all on the trial.