AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Doctor Oscar Elias Biscet, a Cuban physician and anti-abortion activist, was arrested on 9 July 1998 along with his colleague, a computer technician. The two men have been charged with "improper use of state-owned materials." The arrest stems from a study the men conducted between January and February 1997 on abortion.

In the course of their research the two men used computers belonging to the hospital Hijas de Galicia; however, the disproportionate response by Cuban authorities may be due to their anti-abortion and political activities, and the release of the study's results to members of the foreign press. Dr. Biscet has been engaged in a campaign against the use of the drug Rivanol, reportedly prescribed to induce abortion after the third month of pregnancy, and both men are founders of the Lawton Foundation for Human Rights.

The arrests of Dr. Biscet and his colleague constitute serious violations of international human rights standards enumerated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted without opposition by the United Nations General Assembly on 10 December 1948. They include:

• Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person (Article 3);
• no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile (Article 9); and
• everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression (Article 19).

(Sources of information on this case include The Miami Herald, Cuba Press, and the Lawton Foundation for Human Rights.)

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Please send telexes, telegrams, faxes, or airmail letters:

• Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Biscet and his colleague on the grounds that they may have been arrested solely for the peaceful expression of their opinion; and
• urging the Cuban government to respect the rights to freedom of expression and opinion.

APPEAL AND INQUIRY MESSAGES SHOULD BE SENT TO:

Sr. Carlos Dotres Martinez
Ministro de la Salud Publica
Ministerio de la Salud Publica
Calle 23, No. 301
Vedado, La Habana, Cuba
Salutation: Senor Ministro

Dr. Juan Escalona Reguera
Fiscal General de la Republica
San Rafael 3
La Habana, Cuba
Fax: 011 53 7 333 164
Salutation: Senor Fiscal General

Sr. Jefe del Centro de Investigaciones del Departamento de Seguridad del Estado (DSE)
Versalles
Santiago de Cuba
Prov. Oriente, Cuba
Salutation: Sr. Director

COPIES SENT TO:

Sr. Roberto Robaina Gonzalez
Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores
Calzada No. 360
Vedado
La Habana, Cuba
Fax: 011 53 7 333 085 or 335 261
Salutation: Senor Ministro

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