Cuban government, family of deceased cultural luminary, at odds over sudden home search

HAVANA – A dispute is brewing in Cuba over the estate of a prominent intellectual after authorities carried out a surprise search of his home last weekend.

Officials say they were conducting an inventory of art, books, furniture and documents belonging to the late Alfredo Guevara. They say that they intervened after neighbors reported people coming and going from the house at night, and that three valuable paintings are missing.

But Guevara's heirs in Mexico are calling it an unjustified and intrusive raid. They accuse authorities of breaking down doors, hauling away items in trucks and refusing to explain their actions.

Granddaughter Claudia Guevara says the family is "very taken aback."

Alfredo Guevara was a major figure in Cuba's cultural world until his death April 19 of a heart attack.