Hanoi, Vietnam—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement today congratulating Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet on receiving the 2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom for his advocacy efforts for human rights and democracy in Cuba.
"I congratulate Dr. Biscet for his courage and continued determination to stand for the Cuban people and advocate for human rights and democracy in Cuba. Dr. Biscet was arrested on Nov 3, 1999 for leading a forty-day fast in protest to demand the release of all political prisoners. As a result, he is currently serving a twenty-five year prison sentence in Cuba.
"Despite being persecuted and imprisoned for his beliefs, he continues to advocate for a free Cuba. Like Dr. Biscet, the United States recognizes that the future of Cuba is in the hands of its citizens in Cuba. Now is the time to support the democratic movements growing on the island. Now is the time for change.
"Last week we have heard reports of Cuban youth being arrested merely for wearing white wristbands with the word "Cambio" - Change. The imprisonment of Dr. Biscet, other activists and now the arrest of these young people is the latest in a long line of tragedies in Cuba. The Cuban people deserve the opportunity to craft their future, design their government, and elect their leaders. The United States stands ready to help the Cuban people. We stand ready to welcome them into the community of democracies."
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
