Births on July 20

Óscar Elías Biscet

Born on July 20, 1961

Óscar Elías Biscet, Cuban physician and activist, founded the Lawton Foundation

Dr. 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. 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, Biscet was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007 by U.S. President George W. Bush.

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Events on 1961

8 Jan

Charles de Gaulle
In France a referendum supports Charles de Gaulle's policies in Algeria.
16 Apr

Fidel Castro
In a nationally broadcast speech, Cuban leader Fidel Castro declares that he is a Marxist-Leninist and that Cuba is going to adopt Communism.
1 May

Fidel Castro
The Prime Minister of Cuba, Fidel Castro, proclaims Cuba a socialist nation and abolishes elections.
25 Jul

NATO
In a speech John F. Kennedy emphasizes that any attack on Berlin is an attack on NATO.
10 Aug

Agent Orange
First use in Vietnam War of the Agent Orange by the U.S. Army.

Births on July 20

Óscar Elías Biscet

Born on July 20, 1961

References

Choose Another Date

Events on 1961

Charles de Gaulle

Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro

NATO

Agent Orange