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CNN hires Fidel Castro’s estranged daughter

Alina Fernandez will provide commentary and expertise about Cuba
/ Source: The Associated Press

With Cuban leader Fidel Castro ailing after 47 years in power, CNN said Thursday it had hired his estranged daughter, Alina Fernandez, as a network contributor.

Fernandez, who was 3 when Castro took power and had sporadic contact with him, left Cuba disguised as a Spanish tourist in 1993. She moved to Miami, where she is a radio host and the author of “Castro’s Daughter: An Exile’s Memoir of Cuba.”

Her father has temporarily handed over power to his brother Raul and remained out of the public eye after undergoing surgery for intestinal bleeding.

Fernandez will provide commentary and expertise about Cuba as the story about her father’s health, and a potential succession of power, continues.

“At this critical point in history as a Cuban, it’s important for me to draw the world’s attention to the situation inside Cuba, as we reflect on its future,” she said. “CNN is a global network, which can reach the largest population available.