Crazy Guggenheim
09-28-2007, 11:33 PM
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Brazil has granted asylum to two Cuban athletes who defected during July's Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Cyclist Michel Fernandez Garcia and handball player Rafael Capote won asylum after Brazil controversially sent two boxers back to Cuba.
Champion boxers Guillermo Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara also sought asylum during the games but were swiftly deported by Brazil.
Human rights groups and opposition politicians criticised that move.
They said the Brazilian government was acting on behalf of the Cuban authorities.
'Better opportunities' The refugee status awarded to Garcia and Capote entitles them to work in Brazil, to open bank accounts and to apply for Brazilian citizenship after six years.
Brazil has granted asylum to two Cuban athletes who defected during July's Pan-American Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Cyclist Michel Fernandez Garcia and handball player Rafael Capote won asylum after Brazil controversially sent two boxers back to Cuba.
Champion boxers Guillermo Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara also sought asylum during the games but were swiftly deported by Brazil.
Human rights groups and opposition politicians criticised that move.
They said the Brazilian government was acting on behalf of the Cuban authorities.
'Better opportunities' The refugee status awarded to Garcia and Capote entitles them to work in Brazil, to open bank accounts and to apply for Brazilian citizenship after six years.