Fidel Castro Appears Publicly For First Time In Months

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro made his first public appearance in nine months when he appeared at the opening of an art studio in Havana.

The bearded, gray-haired Castro, 87, was shown in official Cuban newspapers and websites on January 9 looking at various pieces of art.

Castro's last public appearance was in April when he appeared at the opening of a school in the capital.

Castro led communist Cuba from 1959 until 2008, when he gave power to his brother, Raul, after battling a serious illness.

In December, Fidel Castro met privately in Havana with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.


Based on reporting by AP and dpa