5 October 2012
Last updated at 20:50 GMT
Mr Carromero (C) expressed "profound sorrow" for the accident
The trial is in Bayamo, close to the site of the accident.
Reports say Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez was arrested in Bayamo on her way to attend the trial.
The trial in Bayamo, 800km (500 miles) east of the capital, Havana, is expected to last just one day.
'Optimistic' Mr Carromero, 27, the head of the youth wing of Spain's ruling Popular Party, told the court he felt "profound sorrow for the unfortunate accident that took place".
But he denied that he had been speeding at the time, as alleged by prosecutors.
"The last time that I looked at my speedometer, I was not going faster than 80 or 90km/h (50-55mph)," he said.
"I have lost a lot during this time, and I'm going to lose even more, but nothing in comparison with the pain felt by the families involved."
Mr Carromero and a Swedish activist were injured in the crash.
Spanish media say prosecutors are seeking a seven-year term for vehicular manslaughter.
Spanish consul Tomas Rodriguez said: "We will see how it all comes out. We are optimistic."
Earlier, a pro-government website said Ms Sanchez, who is known for highlighting issues affecting young Cubans, had been arrested on her way to the courthouse.
Ms Sanchez's Twitter account has not been updated since Thursday and the BBC's correspondent in Havana, Sarah Rainsford, said Ms Sanchez's mobile phone was unreachable and appeared to have been cut-off.
The pro-government blog, Yohandry.com, said she was arrested with her husband because they planned a "provocation" and "media show" that could endanger the credibility of the trial.
Oswaldo Paya's family have disputed the circumstances around the 60-year-old's death and have alleged the vehicle was deliberately forced off the road.
Mr Paya was best known as the founder of the Varela project, a campaign begun in 1998 to gather signatures in support of a referendum on laws guaranteeing civil rights.
Cuba tries Angel Carromero over Oswaldo Paya death
Mr Carromero (C) expressed "profound sorrow" for the accident
Spanish
national Angel Carromero has gone on trial in Cuba accused of
manslaughter over the death of high-profile dissident Oswaldo Paya.
Mr Carromero has been in custody since 22 July when a car he
was driving hit a tree and crashed, killing Mr Paya and another Cuban
activist, Harold Cepero. The trial is in Bayamo, close to the site of the accident.
Reports say Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez was arrested in Bayamo on her way to attend the trial.
The trial in Bayamo, 800km (500 miles) east of the capital, Havana, is expected to last just one day.
'Optimistic' Mr Carromero, 27, the head of the youth wing of Spain's ruling Popular Party, told the court he felt "profound sorrow for the unfortunate accident that took place".
But he denied that he had been speeding at the time, as alleged by prosecutors.
"The last time that I looked at my speedometer, I was not going faster than 80 or 90km/h (50-55mph)," he said.
"I have lost a lot during this time, and I'm going to lose even more, but nothing in comparison with the pain felt by the families involved."
Mr Carromero and a Swedish activist were injured in the crash.
Spanish media say prosecutors are seeking a seven-year term for vehicular manslaughter.
Spanish consul Tomas Rodriguez said: "We will see how it all comes out. We are optimistic."
Earlier, a pro-government website said Ms Sanchez, who is known for highlighting issues affecting young Cubans, had been arrested on her way to the courthouse.
Ms Sanchez's Twitter account has not been updated since Thursday and the BBC's correspondent in Havana, Sarah Rainsford, said Ms Sanchez's mobile phone was unreachable and appeared to have been cut-off.
The pro-government blog, Yohandry.com, said she was arrested with her husband because they planned a "provocation" and "media show" that could endanger the credibility of the trial.
Oswaldo Paya's family have disputed the circumstances around the 60-year-old's death and have alleged the vehicle was deliberately forced off the road.
Mr Paya was best known as the founder of the Varela project, a campaign begun in 1998 to gather signatures in support of a referendum on laws guaranteeing civil rights.
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