Prominent Christian Activist set for Release

Havana, Cuba – Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, who was among 18 other political prisoners transferred recently to a hospital in the Combinando del Este prison in Havana, is expected to be released very soon.

Around end–November, a number of other political prisoners have been transferred to the hospital in Havana before being released from prison altogether. Many are hoping that Dr. Biscet will also be released to join his wife Elsa Morejón.

Dr Biscet is a prominent Cuban Christian human rights and democracy activist who has been imprisoned in Cuba for almost two years.

Dr Biscet’s transfer to Havana comes at a time when European leaders must decide soon how to react to the recent releases of political prisoners in Cuba. On December 14, leaders from each of the European countries met to work out a common EU policy towards Cuba. There have been efforts from some countries, particularly Spain, but also the United Kingdom and Germany to mend relations with Fidel Castro’s government which have been virtually non–existent since the March 2003 crackdown.

One of the most contentious decisions that was brought to the table was whether the EU countries should continue inviting dissidents and families of political prisoners to their embassies for national celebrations. This is a policy that has been strongly supported by leaders from EU countries that suffered under communist governments, most notably former political prisoner, Vaclav Havel from the Czech Republic. It has also been of enormous encouragement to the families of political prisoners and dissidents, many of whom are Christians.