RIP Che, but Not in His Tomb in Cuba

Guevara burial site not nearly as advertised, New Republic reports
By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 31, 2007 3:11 PM CDT
RIP Che, but Not in His Tomb in Cuba
A youth stands next to an image of Cuba's late revolutionary leader Ernesto 'Che' Guevara at a ceremony marking the anniversary of Guevara's death in Mexico City, Monday, Oct. 8, 2007. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)   (Associated Press)

Thousands came to Che Guevara's Cuban mausoleum in July to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the revolutionary’s death—but they were paying respects at the wrong resting place. A French journalist claims that Fidel Castro’s government never actually found the Argentine’s body—as was triumphantly announced 10 years ago—and instead buried an unknown body under Guevara’s name, the New Republic reports.

Several inconsistencies prove that the body relocated to Cuba on the 30th anniversary of Che’s death isn't his. Guevara was buried alone, naked and with amputated hands; the exhumed body was discovered in a mass grave, wearing a jacket and with hands intact. The journalist berated Castro over the fabrication, asserting his power is “built on the abolition of historical truth.” (More Che Guevara stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X