I don't know if Fidel Castro is dead, but his spirit is definitely very alive in Cuba. René Gómez Manzano has been honored with the "Ludovic Trarieux" International Human Rights Prize 2007, the world's oldest and most important distinction given to lawyers who fight for human rights, and against intolerance and racism.

Cuban authorities haven't authorized Manzano to travel to Brussels, and he's waiting for an official answer. "I'll wait for the authorities' decision, the ball is their court now", Manzano has said.

In Cuba it's mandatory to obtain the "white card" (permission to travel abroad) in order to legally leave the country, and being able to come back. Gómez Manzano has already made the necessary legal procedures; he has been waiting for over 15 days. The award ceremony will take place next Friday (October 19) in the Belgium Senate.

"This waiting is a race against the clock", he said. "I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic, this simply is the reality in this country and I must take both of my bags to see if the possibility turns into reality".

The last Cuban dissident who received authorization to travel abroad, receive an award and return to the island was Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, who went to Strasbourg to receive the Sakharov Award, in the European Parliament, in 2002. The "Ladies on White" (Damas de Blanco) group wasn't allowed to travel when they were honored with the same award in 2005.

Gómez Manzano was released last February, after being held in prison for 18 moths, without having any criminal charges presented against him. The dissident was detained at his home, on July 22, 2005, under accusations of having incited a manifestation that would take place in front of the embassy of France in La Habana.

René Gómez Manzano, MARTA Beatriz Roque, Vladimiro Roca, Félix Bonne Carcasés

Along with Martha Beatriz Roque, Vladimiro Roca and Félix Bonne Carcacés, René Gómez Manzano integrated the "Group of Four" (Grupo de los Cuatro) who in 1999 were accused and convicted of sedition, after questioning the Communist Party.