Cuba Says Exile Killed Himself

WASHINGTON — The State Department said today it received information from a California congressman that a Cuban exile who was visiting Cuba committed suicide after being detained for involvement in “serious crimes.”

Spokeswoman Phyllis Oakley said the Cuban diplomatic mission here informed an aide to Rep. Howard L. Berman (D-Panorama City) this week that Nicolas Raul Valladares, 56, a naturalized citizen from Los Angeles, was a suicide victim. Valladares is said to have been detained for involvement in espionage activities. Oakley said the Cuban government has yet to officially notify American officials of Valladares’ death and she called this a violation of international law.