Cuba Gov. Allows Exit of Zapata Family

HAVANA TIMES, March 10 – Cuban immigration authorities gave exit permits to 13 relatives of Orlando Zapata, the dissident who died in February 2010 after a hunger strike, so they can travel to the United States as political refugees, announced Reina Tamayo, the dissident’s mother, reported IPS.

All Cubans must request an exit visa to travel abroad for any reason.  If granted they must pay 150 CUC (180 USD).  People considered dissidents by the government are routinely denied a visa.