I don't believe they're the same person, for the following reasons:
1. The ears are different
2. The bridge of the nose in Photo #1 is smaller than in Photo #2
3. The tip of the nose points downward in photo #1 as opposed to Photo #2 (where it's also more bulbous)
4. Eye color appears to be different
5. The moles are not evident in Photo #1
6. The cheeks are not as puffy in Photo #1
7. The forehead is longer in Photo #1, and not because of a receding hairline -- it's a different shape.
I wish I could see his hands -- that would give away quite a bit.
I think its the same person. Picture one as taken several years before picture two.
If Castro was still alive or not in a coma, they would have him holding a copy of today's New York Times with the print very readable (date).