New Photos of Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro appeared in public last week for what is believed to be the first time nearly four years.

The Cuban blog Blogueros Revolucion published the photos of Castro at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas (National Center for Scientific Research). It is believed to be the first time Castro has been photographed in public since he fell ill in 2006.

Fidel Castro transferred his responsibilities as president of Cuba to his brother Raul Castro on July 31, 2006. In February 2008, Fidel Castro announced he would not seek a new term as president, and Raul was elected by the National Assembly.

In Raul Castro's term as president, the quality of life for Cuba's gay population has improved. His daughter, Mariela Castro, is an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights.