Óscar Elías Biscet: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
mNo edit summary
 
(177 intermediate revisions by 97 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Cuban activist (1961-)}}
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:Oscar Elias Biscet04.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet]] -->
{{Use MDY dates|date=November 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Óscar Elías Biscet González
| image = 23.5.2016 Conferencia del doctor Oscar Elías Biscet (26590325864).jpg
| caption = Biscet in 2016
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1961|7|20}}
| birth_place = [[Havana]], [[Cuba]]
| occupation = Physician
| spouse = Elsa Morejón
| children =
}}


'''Óscar Elías Biscet González''' (born July 20, 1961 in [[Havana]], [[Cuba]]) is a Cuban physician and an advocate for [[human right]]s and [[democracy|democratic freedoms]] in Cuba. He is also the founder of the [[Lawton Foundation]].
{{disputed}}


Biscet was given a 25-year prison sentence in [[Cuba]] for allegedly committing crimes against the sovereignty and the integrity of the Cuban territory.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.cubaminrex.cu/CDH/62cdh/Ingles/White_Book_2006/PartI/Chapter_V.htm | title = WHITE BOOK 2006 – FIRST PART – CHAPTER 5 | accessdate = 2009-02-23 | year = 2006 | publisher = CUBAMinRex – Web site of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs | location = Havana, Cuba | quote = ...Oscar Elias Biscet, Héctor Palacios Ruiz and José Luis García Paneque ... tried and convicted under Law 88 of 1999, for their mercenary activities at the service of the US policy of hostility and aggressions against Cuba. }}</ref> Despite appeals from the United Nations, foreign governments, and international human rights organizations, the Cuban Government refused to release Biscet until March 11, 2011. In recognition of his "advocacy efforts for human rights and democracy" in Cuba. In 2007 Biscet was presented with the [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] by [[U.S. President]] [[George W. Bush]].<ref>[https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2007/10/20071029.html White House Press Release Announcing 2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom winners]</ref>
'''Oscar Elías Biscet-Gonzalez''' (born [[July 20]], [[1961]]) in [[Havana]], [[Cuba]] is a medical professional, a prominent [[Christian]] anti-abortion activist, and a noted advocate for human rights and democratic freedoms in Cuba, his native country. He is the founder of the [[Lawton Foundation]], a non-governmental group started in 1997 which describes itself as promoting "the study, defense, and denunciation of human rights violations inside Cuba and wherever the rights and liberties of human beings are disregarded"<ref>http://www.lawtonfoundation.com/, accessed August 15, 2007.</ref>. Dr. Biscet is serving a twenty-five year prison sentence in Cuba for allegedly committing crimes against the sovereignty and the integrity of the Cuban territory. Despite appeals from the United Nations, foreign governments, and international human rights organizations, Cuba has refused to release Dr. Biscet.


==Beginnings==
==Beginnings==
Biscet received a degree in [[medicine]] in 1985; the following year he initiated protests which led to his immediate suspension. Starting in 1988, Biscet revealed his political tension with the [[communist]] regime through speech. The Cuban government in 1994 officially opened a case file on Biscet, labeling him a counter-revolutionary and "dangerous". In 1997, Biscet founded the [http://www.lawtonfoundation.com/ Lawton Foundation].
Biscet received a degree in medicine in 1985; the following year he initiated protests which led to his immediate suspension. Starting in 1988, Biscet revealed his political tension with the [[communist]] regime through speech. The Cuban government in 1994 officially opened a case file on Biscet, labeling him a counter-revolutionary and "dangerous". In 1997, Biscet founded the Lawton Foundation.


==Political and philosophical background==
==Political and philosophical background==
[[Henry David Thoreau]], [[Mohandas Gandhi]], and [[Martin Luther King, Jr]] are major influences in Biscet's writing and motivation<ref>Nordlinger, Jay (06/11/2001). Who cares about Cuba?, "National Review", v.53 #11. p.33. Accessed on August 15, 2007.</ref>. Others from whom Biscet has taken inspiration are [[Abraham Lincoln]], [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[José Martí]], and [[Frederick Douglass]]. He is a strong believer in a [[democratic]] government<ref>CUBA: NEWLY FORMED DISSIDENT COALITION COMPETES WITH VARELA PROJECT SUPPORTERS FOR CONTROL OF INTERNAL OPPOSITION, "NotiCen: Central American & Caribbean Affairs", Latin America DataBase, University of New Mexico (11/14/2002). Accessed on August 15, 2007.</ref> and has advocated [[pro-life]] politics.
[[Henry David Thoreau]], [[Mohandas Gandhi]], and [[Martin Luther King Jr.]] are major influences in Biscet's writing and motivation.<ref>Nordlinger, Jay (06/11/2001). Who cares about Cuba?, "National Review", v.53 #11. p.33. Accessed on August 15, 2007.</ref> Others from whom Biscet has taken inspiration are [[Abraham Lincoln]], [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[José Martí]], and [[Frederick Douglass]]. He is a strong believer in a [[democratic government]]<ref>Cuba: Newly formed dissident coalition competes with Varela Project supporters for control of internal opposition, "NotiCen: Central American & Caribbean Affairs", Latin America DataBase, University of New Mexico (11/14/2002). Accessed on August 15, 2007.</ref> and proved perseverance in criticizing abortion and the suppression of civil liberties.<ref name="pop.org">[https://www.pop.org/content/castro-regime-repression-rights-life-and-liberty-1?bblinkid=33470644&bbemailid=2681402&bbejrid=188463227 Jonathan Abbamonte: ''The Castro Regime: Repression of the Rights to Life and Liberty''.] [[Population Research Institute (organization)|Population Research Institute]] Website. December 14, 2016. Accessed on July 2, 2022.</ref>


==Expulsion from the National Health Service==
==1998==
Dr. Biscet was expelled from the [[Cuban National Health System]] in February 1998 because of his activism. Biscet's wife, Elsa Morejón was also expelled from nursing (her profession) because of her husband's activities; she now depends on charity and her family for survival.
Biscet was expelled from the [[Healthcare in Cuba|Cuban National Health System]] in February 1998 because of his activism.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}} The physician's wife, Elsa Morejón was also expelled from nursing (her profession) when her husband started to oppose a widespread use of [[Ethacridine lactate|Rivanol]] for abortions.<ref name="pop.org"/>


==1999 arrest==
==1999 arrest==
In August 1999, Biscet, along with two dozen other dissidents, was detained by Cuban police for organizing meetings in Havana and [[Matanzas]]. Police seized him in [[Pedro Betancourt]] and took him to [[Jovellanos]] for questioning. He claimed that while in custody, the police tortured him by beating, kicking, stripping, and burning him. The government then threatened to detain him longer if he continued promoting his version of pro-democratic activities in Cuba. He was released on [[August 17]], [[1999]]. Later in 1999, he was sent back in prison for a three-year sentence for dishonoring a national symbol, public disorder, and instigating to commit crime, after having protested Cuba's lack of freedom by showing the Cuban flag upside down. Accessed on August 15, 2007.</ref> He was released from a high-security prison in the [[Holguin province]] after having served his entire three-year sentence behind bars<ref>THE WORLD; IN BRIEF/ CUBA; POLITICAL PRISONER FREED AFTER SERVING 3 YEARS, "Los Angeles Times". page A.4. (November 01, 2002). Accessed on August 15, 2007.</ref>.
In August 1999, Biscet, along with two dozen other dissidents, were detained by Cuban police for organizing meetings in Havana and [[Matanzas]]. He was released five days earlier on August 17, 1999. He claimed that while in custody, the police tortured him by beating, kicking, stripping, and burning him. The government then threatened to detain him longer if he continued promoting his counterrevolutionary activities in Cuba. Later in 1999, he was sent back in prison for a three-year sentence.<ref name="AMR250102002">{{cite web |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AMR25/010/2002/en |title=Cuba: Release: Dr Oscar Elías Biscet González. |accessdate=2009-02-23 |date=2002-11-14 |work=Document |publisher=Amnesty International, International Secretariat |location=1 Easton Street, WC1X 0DW, London, United Kingdom}}</ref> [[Amnesty International]] named him a [[prisoner of conscience]] and called for his immediate release.<ref name="AMR250102002" /> He was released from a high-security prison in the [[Holguín Province]] after having served his full sentence.<ref>Cuba; Political prisoner freed after serving 3 years, ''Los Angeles Times'', November 1, 2002, page A4. Accessed on August 15, 2007.</ref>


==2002 arrest==
==2002 arrest==
[[Image:Cell biscet 140.jpg|thumb|250px|Replica of the prison cell of Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet.]]
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:Cell biscet 140.jpg|thumb|250px|Replica of the prison cell of Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet.{{deletable image-caption}}]] -->
One month after recovering his liberty, on [[December 6]], [[2002]], Biscet was arrested in a private house with 11 other dissidents while discussing a petition drive and human rights<ref>THE WORLD; IN BRIEF/ CUBA; PROMINENT DISSIDENT REARRESTED, WIFE SAYS, "Los Angeles Times", page: A4. (12-08-2002) Accessed on August 15, 2007.</ref>. Dr. Biscet's wife later said the activists "were beaten and violently arrested". During their removal from the house they shouted "Long live human rights" and "Freedom for [[political prisoners]]".
One month after being released from custody,<ref name="AMR250102002" /> on December 6, 2002, Biscet was arrested in a private house with 11 other dissidents while discussing a petition drive and human rights.<ref>Cuba; Prominent dissident rearrested, wife says, ''Los Angeles Times'', 12-08-2002, page: A4. Accessed on August 15, 2007.</ref> Biscet's wife later said the activists "were beaten and violently arrested". During their removal from the house they shouted "Long live human rights" and "Freedom for political prisoners".


Biscet was one of the 75 dissidents imprisoned in 2003 by the Cuban authorities for his association with the head of the [[US Interests Section in Havana]], [[James Cason]]. He was given a 25 year sentence for "disorderly conduct" and "counter-revolutionary activities", he is currently being held at [[Combinado del Este Prison]] in Havana, Cuba, where he is generally not allowed outside visitors, including medical practitioners and clergy, under conditions described as "wretched"<ref>The Myth of Cuban Health Care, "National Review", (07-30-2007) Accessed August 15, 2007.</ref>. He had previously been imprisoned in the "Cinco Y Medio" prison in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. A replica of his cell while there was displayed at the residence of the head of the U.S. national interests section, James Cason. (Photo at right.) [http://www.state.gov/p/wha/rls/rm/37104.htm]
Biscet was one of the 75 dissidents imprisoned in 2003 by the Cuban authorities for his association with the head of the [[US Interests Section in Havana]], [[James Cason]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cuba.cu/gobierno/discursos/2003/ing/f250403i.html |title=Special presentation by Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Republic of Cuba, at the televised roundtable on recent events in the country and the increase of aggressive actions by the United States government against the Cuban people |accessdate=2009-02-23 |date=2003-04-25 |publisher=Portal Cuba.cu |location=Havana, Cuba}}</ref> He was given a 25-year sentence for "disorderly conduct" and "counter-revolutionary activities". He was subsequently held at [[Combinado del Este Prison]] in Havana, where he was generally not allowed outside visitors, including medical practitioners and clergy, under conditions described as "wretched".<ref>The Myth of Cuban Health Care, "National Review", (30 July 2007) Accessed August 15, 2007.</ref> He had previously been imprisoned in the "Cinco Y Medio" prison in [[Pinar del Río]]. A replica of his cell while there was displayed at the residence of the chief of mission, James Cason.<ref>[https://2001-2009.state.gov/p/wha/rls/rm/37104.htm United States Department of State] (Photo at right.)</ref>
<br><br>


In 2003, in response to a petition concerning Dr. Biscet and other Cuban prisoners of conscience, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined that Dr. Biscet is being held in violation of Articles 9, 10, 19, 20, and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and called for his immediate release.
In 2003, in response to a petition concerning Biscet and other Cuban prisoners of conscience, the [[United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention]] determined that Biscet is being held in violation of Articles 9, 10, 19, 20, and 21 of the [[Universal Declaration of Human Rights]] and called for his immediate release.


In September 1, 2005, in response to an Urgent Action Appeal filed by [http://www.freedom-now.org/Oscar.php Freedom Now] on behalf of Dr. Biscet, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Special Rapporteur on the Question of Torture, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders, and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Association issued a joint urgent appeal to the Government of the Republic of Cuba calling again for Dr. Biscet's immediate release.
On September 1, 2005, in response to an Urgent Action Appeal filed by [[Freedom Now]] on behalf of Biscet, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Special Rapporteur on the Question of Torture, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders, and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Association issued a joint urgent appeal to the Government of the Republic of Cuba calling again for Biscet's immediate release.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}


==Campaign to release==
==Campaign to release==
Freedom Now [http://www.freedom-now.org/Oscar.php], a non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C., was retained in 2005 to assist in obtaining Dr. Biscet's release from prison. On September 1, 2005, in response to an Urgent Action Appeal filed by Freedom Now on Dr. Biscet's behalf, the United Nations called on the Government of the Republic of Cuba to immediately release Dr. Biscet. Despite these appeals, Dr. Biscet remains imprisoned. Freedom Now has engaged in extensive outreach efforts to raise international awareness of his case and continues to advocate for his immediate release.
[[Freedom Now]], a non-profit organization located in [[Washington, D.C.]], was retained in 2005 to assist in obtaining Biscet's release from prison. On September 1, 2005, in response to an Urgent Action Appeal filed by Freedom Now on Biscet's behalf, the United Nations called on the Government of the Republic of Cuba to immediately release Biscet.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}


[[Nat Hentoff]] has been one of the chief advocates for Dr. Biscet in the United States, penning numerous pleas in his syndicated and ''[[Village Voice]]'' column calling for his release, and highlighting his plight within the Cuban criminal justice system.
[[Nat Hentoff]] was one of the chief advocates for Biscet in the United States, penning numerous pleas in his syndicated and ''[[Village Voice]]'' column calling for his release, and highlighting his plight within the Cuban criminal justice system.{{citation needed|date=July 2012}}


===Release===
U.S. Congressman [[Lincoln Diaz-Balart]] visited [[Ukraine]] in December 2005, and there met with President [[Viktor Yushchenko]]. Diaz-Balart told Yushchenko, "This Cuban physician was not able to give me his message personally because he is a political prisoner who at this moment suffers in solitary confinement in a cold, damp underground dungeon simply for believing in democracy and human rights. I received his message from his wife, Ms. Elsa Morejón. Dr. Biscet sends you and all of your colleagues of the [[Orange Revolution]], for [[Freedom (political)|freedom]] and [[democracy]] in Ukraine, a message of friendship and solidarity.
{{wikinews|Cuba releases leading dissident from prison}}
He also expresses his deep gratitude, on behalf of all the political prisoners in Cuba, for your vote and your support at the [[United Nations Human Rights Commission]] in [[Geneva]] for human rights in Cuba."
On March 11, 2011, it was announced that Biscet had been freed, along with more than 50 other dissidents.<ref name="release"/> The [[Catholic Church in Cuba]] was responsible for negotiating their release.<ref name="release"/> Biscet said shortly after being freed that he planned to remain in Cuba and continue his advocacy for human rights.<ref name="release">{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12721318 | title=Cuba releases jailed dissident Oscar Elias Biscet | accessdate=13 March 2011 | date=11 March 2011 | publisher=BBC News Online | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312062322/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12721318 | archivedate=March 12, 2011 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>


In August 2012, he began an independent television show, ''Revelando Cuba'' ("Revealing Cuba"), on which he discussed national and international events. The program is produced and distributed by the [[Lawton Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.capitolhillcubans.com/2012/08/dr-biscets-new-television-program.html |title=Dr. Biscet's New Television Program |date=8 August 2012 |work=Capitol Hill Cubans |accessdate=10 August 2012}}</ref>
When Diaz-Balart gave this message to Yushchenko, a [[Cuban American]] human rights group, "Mothers and Women Against Repression", gave the president of Ukraine a photograph of Biscet and three other political prisoners.
Yuschenko thanked them and replied, "I will never forget this message, this gesture of friendship. I will never forget the Cuban political prisoners."


== International support ==
A [http://www.free-biscet.org webpage] exists that is dedicated to securing the release of Dr. Biscet from jail and promulgating his ideas. It includes news and columns about Dr. Biscet as well as writings from Dr. Biscet smuggled out from him in prison.
In 2007, Biscet received ''[[Trial in absentia|in absentia]]'' the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from US President George W. Bush, but the Cuban government denied him a permit to travel to receive it. Finally nine years later, on June 23, 2016, he received it from Mr. George W Bush in a private ceremony in Dallas, Texas.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Elizabeth Djinis|title=Cuban dissident visits Bush Center to receive Medal of Freedom he earned while in prison|url=http://thescoopblog.dallasnews.com/2016/06/cuban-dissident-visits-bush-library-to-receive-presidential-medal-of-freedom.html/|website=www.dallasnews.com|publisher=Dallas Morning News|accessdate=23 June 2013|location=Dallas, TX}}</ref> In 2007 Biscet received in absentia the Dr. Rainer Hildebrandt Human Rights Award endowed by [[Alexandra Hildebrandt]]. The award is given annually in recognition of extraordinary, non-violent commitment to human rights.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.igfm.de/alt-archiv/wir-ueber-uns-alt/chronik-der-igfm/2007/verleihung-des-internationalen-menschenrechtspreises-2007/ |title=Welcome to nginx! |access-date=October 5, 2016 |archive-date=October 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20161014062100/http://www.igfm.de/alt-archiv/wir-ueber-uns-alt/chronik-der-igfm/2007/verleihung-des-internationalen-menschenrechtspreises-2007/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<!-- ==Influence on Cubans and Cuban Americans==
Under construction -->

==Images==
<gallery>
<!-- Image with unknown copyright status removed: Image:1238032422 l.jpg|Shouting out "Long Live Human Rights" as Cuban Police arrest Biscet -->
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
{{portalpar|Cuba|Flag of Cuba.svg}}
{{Portal|Cuba}}
* [[Human Rights in Cuba]]
* [[Human rights in Cuba]]
* [[Amnesty International]]
* [[Politics of Cuba]]
* [[Politics of Cuba]]
* [[Opposition to Fidel Castro]]
* [[Opposition to Fidel Castro]]
* [[Varela Project]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|33em}}
<references/>


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Oscar Elías Biscet|Óscar Elías Biscet}}
*[http://www.freedom-now.org/Oscar.php Freedom Now Background on Dr. Biscet ]
{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.lawtonfoundation.com/ Lawton Foundation ]
*[http://www.lawtonfoundation.com/ Lawton Foundation]
* [http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=ZmIyNGU5MWE4NTQxNjc0N2NiODBlMTM4Y2Y3ODU5YTg= Honoring Biscet: A Unique Fight For Freedom Deserves Recognition ]
* [http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/media/hrd/2007/alert/319/ On Fourth Anniversary of Clampdown, Rights Group Calls for Release of Prisoner ]
*[http://www.free-biscet.org Free Dr. Biscet]
*[http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAMR250102002?open&of=ENG-CUB Release: Dr Oscar Elías Biscet González Cuba] Amnesty International background on Osar Elias Biscet
*[http://www.humanrightsfirst.org/defenders/hrd_cuba/alert120705_biscet.htm Protest Worsening Prison Conditions For Ill Cuban Activist]
*[http://www.free-biscet.org/biscetarticles/2005/Castro%20Black%20Prisoner.htm Castro's Black Prisoner: A follower of Martin Luther King and Gandhi in Fidel's custody for 22 more years] Column by Nat Hentoff
*[http://www.free-biscet.org/biscetarticles/newest%20repression%204-7-03/two%20paths.htm Two Paths?] Letter released by Dr. Biscet from the Provincial Prison of Pinar Del Rio through his wife, Elsa Morejon


{{Authority control}}
⚫
{{DEFAULTSORT:Biscet, Oscar Elías}}

⚫
{{DEFAULTSORT:Biscet, Oscar Elias}}
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:1961 births]]
[[Category:Alleged police brutality]]
[[Category:Amnesty International prisoners of conscience held by Cuba]]
[[Category:Cuban anti-abortion activists]]
[[Category:Cuban democracy activists]]
[[Category:Cuban physicians]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Opposition to Fidel Castro]]
[[Category:People from Havana]]
[[Category:People from Havana]]
[[Category:Opposition to Fidel Castro]]
[[Category:Cuban torture victims]]
[[Category:Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients]]
[[Category:Police misconduct in Cuba]]
[[Category:Cuban prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Black Spring detainees]]
[[Category:Political prisoners in Cuba]]

Latest revision as of 18:31, 2 March 2024

Óscar Elías Biscet González
Biscet in 2016
Born (1961-07-20) July 20, 1961 (age 62)
Havana, Cuba
OccupationPhysician
SpouseElsa Morejón

Óscar Elías Biscet González (born July 20, 1961 in Havana, Cuba) is a Cuban physician and an advocate for human rights and democratic freedoms in Cuba. He is also the founder of the Lawton Foundation.

Biscet was given a 25-year prison sentence in Cuba for allegedly committing crimes against the sovereignty and the integrity of the Cuban territory.[1] Despite appeals from the United Nations, foreign governments, and international human rights organizations, the Cuban Government refused to release Biscet until March 11, 2011. In recognition of his "advocacy efforts for human rights and democracy" in Cuba. In 2007 Biscet was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President George W. Bush.[2]

Beginnings[edit]

Biscet received a degree in medicine in 1985; the following year he initiated protests which led to his immediate suspension. Starting in 1988, Biscet revealed his political tension with the communist regime through speech. The Cuban government in 1994 officially opened a case file on Biscet, labeling him a counter-revolutionary and "dangerous". In 1997, Biscet founded the Lawton Foundation.

Political and philosophical background[edit]

Henry David Thoreau, Mohandas Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. are major influences in Biscet's writing and motivation.[3] Others from whom Biscet has taken inspiration are Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, José Martí, and Frederick Douglass. He is a strong believer in a democratic government[4] and proved perseverance in criticizing abortion and the suppression of civil liberties.[5]

Expulsion from the National Health Service[edit]

Biscet was expelled from the Cuban National Health System in February 1998 because of his activism.[citation needed] The physician's wife, Elsa Morejón was also expelled from nursing (her profession) when her husband started to oppose a widespread use of Rivanol for abortions.[5]

1999 arrest[edit]

In August 1999, Biscet, along with two dozen other dissidents, were detained by Cuban police for organizing meetings in Havana and Matanzas. He was released five days earlier on August 17, 1999. He claimed that while in custody, the police tortured him by beating, kicking, stripping, and burning him. The government then threatened to detain him longer if he continued promoting his counterrevolutionary activities in Cuba. Later in 1999, he was sent back in prison for a three-year sentence.[6] Amnesty International named him a prisoner of conscience and called for his immediate release.[6] He was released from a high-security prison in the Holguín Province after having served his full sentence.[7]

2002 arrest[edit]

One month after being released from custody,[6] on December 6, 2002, Biscet was arrested in a private house with 11 other dissidents while discussing a petition drive and human rights.[8] Biscet's wife later said the activists "were beaten and violently arrested". During their removal from the house they shouted "Long live human rights" and "Freedom for political prisoners".

Biscet was one of the 75 dissidents imprisoned in 2003 by the Cuban authorities for his association with the head of the US Interests Section in Havana, James Cason.[9] He was given a 25-year sentence for "disorderly conduct" and "counter-revolutionary activities". He was subsequently held at Combinado del Este Prison in Havana, where he was generally not allowed outside visitors, including medical practitioners and clergy, under conditions described as "wretched".[10] He had previously been imprisoned in the "Cinco Y Medio" prison in Pinar del Río. A replica of his cell while there was displayed at the residence of the chief of mission, James Cason.[11]

In 2003, in response to a petition concerning Biscet and other Cuban prisoners of conscience, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention determined that Biscet is being held in violation of Articles 9, 10, 19, 20, and 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and called for his immediate release.

On September 1, 2005, in response to an Urgent Action Appeal filed by Freedom Now on behalf of Biscet, the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Special Rapporteur on the Question of Torture, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Human Rights Defenders, and the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Association issued a joint urgent appeal to the Government of the Republic of Cuba calling again for Biscet's immediate release.[citation needed]

Campaign to release[edit]

Freedom Now, a non-profit organization located in Washington, D.C., was retained in 2005 to assist in obtaining Biscet's release from prison. On September 1, 2005, in response to an Urgent Action Appeal filed by Freedom Now on Biscet's behalf, the United Nations called on the Government of the Republic of Cuba to immediately release Biscet.[citation needed]

Nat Hentoff was one of the chief advocates for Biscet in the United States, penning numerous pleas in his syndicated and Village Voice column calling for his release, and highlighting his plight within the Cuban criminal justice system.[citation needed]

Release[edit]

Wikinews has related news:

On March 11, 2011, it was announced that Biscet had been freed, along with more than 50 other dissidents.[12] The Catholic Church in Cuba was responsible for negotiating their release.[12] Biscet said shortly after being freed that he planned to remain in Cuba and continue his advocacy for human rights.[12]

In August 2012, he began an independent television show, Revelando Cuba ("Revealing Cuba"), on which he discussed national and international events. The program is produced and distributed by the Lawton Foundation.[13]

International support[edit]

In 2007, Biscet received in absentia the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from US President George W. Bush, but the Cuban government denied him a permit to travel to receive it. Finally nine years later, on June 23, 2016, he received it from Mr. George W Bush in a private ceremony in Dallas, Texas.[14] In 2007 Biscet received in absentia the Dr. Rainer Hildebrandt Human Rights Award endowed by Alexandra Hildebrandt. The award is given annually in recognition of extraordinary, non-violent commitment to human rights.[15]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "WHITE BOOK 2006 – FIRST PART – CHAPTER 5". Havana, Cuba: CUBAMinRex – Web site of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 2006. Retrieved February 23, 2009. ...Oscar Elias Biscet, Héctor Palacios Ruiz and José Luis García Paneque ... tried and convicted under Law 88 of 1999, for their mercenary activities at the service of the US policy of hostility and aggressions against Cuba.
  2. ^ White House Press Release Announcing 2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom winners
  3. ^ Nordlinger, Jay (06/11/2001). Who cares about Cuba?, "National Review", v.53 #11. p.33. Accessed on August 15, 2007.
  4. ^ Cuba: Newly formed dissident coalition competes with Varela Project supporters for control of internal opposition, "NotiCen: Central American & Caribbean Affairs", Latin America DataBase, University of New Mexico (11/14/2002). Accessed on August 15, 2007.
  5. ^ a b Jonathan Abbamonte: The Castro Regime: Repression of the Rights to Life and Liberty. Population Research Institute Website. December 14, 2016. Accessed on July 2, 2022.
  6. ^ a b c "Cuba: Release: Dr Oscar Elías Biscet González". Document. 1 Easton Street, WC1X 0DW, London, United Kingdom: Amnesty International, International Secretariat. November 14, 2002. Retrieved February 23, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  7. ^ Cuba; Political prisoner freed after serving 3 years, Los Angeles Times, November 1, 2002, page A4. Accessed on August 15, 2007.
  8. ^ Cuba; Prominent dissident rearrested, wife says, Los Angeles Times, 12-08-2002, page: A4. Accessed on August 15, 2007.
  9. ^ "Special presentation by Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz, President of the Republic of Cuba, at the televised roundtable on recent events in the country and the increase of aggressive actions by the United States government against the Cuban people". Havana, Cuba: Portal Cuba.cu. April 25, 2003. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  10. ^ The Myth of Cuban Health Care, "National Review", (30 July 2007) Accessed August 15, 2007.
  11. ^ United States Department of State (Photo at right.)
  12. ^ a b c "Cuba releases jailed dissident Oscar Elias Biscet". BBC News Online. March 11, 2011. Archived from the original on March 12, 2011. Retrieved March 13, 2011.
  13. ^ "Dr. Biscet's New Television Program". Capitol Hill Cubans. August 8, 2012. Retrieved August 10, 2012.
  14. ^ Elizabeth Djinis. "Cuban dissident visits Bush Center to receive Medal of Freedom he earned while in prison". www.dallasnews.com. Dallas, TX: Dallas Morning News. Retrieved June 23, 2013.
  15. ^ "Welcome to nginx!". Archived from the original on October 14, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Óscar Elías Biscet.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Óscar Elías Biscet.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Óscar_Elías_Biscet&oldid=1211465789"