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.
1961Jul, 20
Óscar Elías Biscet
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Events on 1961
- 8Jan
Charles de Gaulle
In France a referendum supports Charles de Gaulle's policies in Algeria. - 16Apr
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. - 1May
Fidel Castro
The Prime Minister of Cuba, Fidel Castro, proclaims Cuba a socialist nation and abolishes elections. - 25Jul
NATO
In a speech John F. Kennedy emphasizes that any attack on Berlin is an attack on NATO. - 10Aug
Agent Orange
First use in Vietnam War of the Agent Orange by the U.S. Army.