Picture Protest

Statement

The image of Orlando Zapata is haunting the Castro brothers. At least, that's the hope of artist Geandy Pavon.

Zapata, a plumber, was a Cuban political prisoner who starved himself to death to protest his abuse by the Castro regime. He died in February, after 85 days of fasting.

In a clever campaign -- dubbed "Nemesis" - exiled Cuban artist Pavon has projected the image of the dead hunger striker against the façade of Cuban government buildings. It has been splashed against the Cuban consulate in Barcelona, and the Cuban Interests Section in Washington.

This may be one protest that gets the Cuban regime's attention. The Cuban dictator probably understands the power of hunger strikes. He built a memorial in Cuba to Bobby Sands in 2001. Sands was one of the 10 IRA members to starve themselves to death in 1981, which generated worldwide publicity and support for the group. Pavon is giving Zapata a voice from the grave.

So maybe they're feeling some heat? It was reported last week that the Cuban government has made some modest accommodations for political prisoners. Of course, there shouldn't be any political prisoners.

Let's face it, democrats worldwide have been staggering. We need better and innovative ways to punch back against tyranny, whether it be in Cuba, Venezuela, Vietnam or Iran. Kudos to Señor Pavon for his unconventional strike.

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