Cuba passes law to prevent Castro 'personality cult'

Cuba's national assembly voted late Tuesday to pass a law preventing the use of Fidel Castro's name or image for public streets, buildings and monuments. The legislation is in accordance with the late leader's final wish to avoid a "personality cult."

More than 600 members of parliament voted unanimously in favor of the bill during the assembly's final meeting of the year.

Cuba's revolutionary leader died on November 25 at the age of 90. In 2008, after nearly 50 years in charge of the Communist island nation, he transferred power to his younger brother, Raul Castro.

No 'Plaza de Castro'

The law will prohibit the use of Castro's name in the names of institutions, parks, streets and other public places, as well as any honorary titles or medals. It also stops Castro's image being used for monuments, busts, statues and commemorative plaques.

An exception can be made for institutions dedicated to the teaching of Castro's legacy and life work.

Homero Acosta, a member of parliament, explained that the rule would not stop Cuban artists from taking inspiration from the former leader or using his image in their works of art - from literature to music to cinema.

Castro's portrait will remain hanging in schools, businesses and military institutions.

Raul Castro revealed his brother's wishes during Castro's funeral in early December, saying: "The leader of the revolution rejected any personality cult and he was consistent in this right up to his last hour of life."

rls/sms (dpa,ACN)