Carlos R. Reina, prisoner, president

By Associated Press, 8/20/2003

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Carlos Roberto Reina, a former political prisoner who rose to the presidency, died yesterday at his home in the capital. He was 77.

The former president died of complications following gallbladder surgery, said Mr. Reina's brother, Jorge.

As a Liberal Party activist while still a teenager, Mr. Reina was imprisoned for six months in 1944 for protesting against dictator Tiburcio Carias. He also was imprisoned briefly by military governments in 1963 and 1968. Mr. Reina was elected president in November 1993 after promising to crack down on corruption and reduce the role of the military. He made gradual progress on both fronts during his four years in office, eliminating mandatory military service and helping ease Honduras away from decades of military meddling in politics. However, corruption, crime, and poverty remain grave problems in the Central American nation.

The former president survived a 1996 bombing that blew a hole in his house.

Mr. Reina was a law professor for 30 years at the National Autonomous University.