Huber Matos, Cuban Rebel Leader Turned Castro Foe, Dies

Huber Matos Benitez, who was a leader of the Cuban Revolution before becoming an opponent of Fidel Castro, has died. He was 95.
 
His grandson Huber Matos Garsault said Thursday that his grandfather died around 4 a.m. at a Miami area hospital after a heart attack.
 
Matos joined Castro in 1958, hoping to bring democracy to the country. He became third in command of Castro's rebel forces. 
 
The revolution overthrew dictator Fulgencio Batista on New Year's Day 1959. But Matos quickly soured on the new government, fearing Castro was steering the country toward communism. Months later, Castro had Matos arrested and he was convicted of treason. He was released in 1979 after 20 years in prison.
 
He eventually came to Miami and led Cuba Independiente and Democratica, one of many anti-Castro groups.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us