Oscar Elías Biscet

Oscar Elías Biscet is a medical doctor, an anti-abortionist, and a fundamentalist Christian dissident who has been imprisoned several times by the Cuban government. While the earlier imprisonments were for dissident activities that would not be considered a crime in most democracies, his latest 25 year sentence, pronounced in 2003, was for working with the American Interest Section. This harsh sentence was issued for what would be similar to an American being prosecuted for working on behalf of the government of Iran or North Korea without registering as a foreign agent.

Biscet has not until perhaps recently been recognized in Cuban dissident circles as representative of the mainstream of their movement, given his obsession with abortion. He is, however, amply supported by white Miami anti-Castro groups and the US Government. George W. Bush gave him the National Medal of Freedom. 

Interestingly, there is some evidence the tide seems to be turning in his favor among dissidents. For example, Pedro Dupre argued against Biscet in 2001 but is for him in 2009. Other dissidents active today mention their support for him. Whether this is because everyone tends to become equal under repression or because of the relentless Miami campaign in his favor is unclear.  The comrades may want to rethink their tactics in the light of the many historical failures of repression. Cooptation is generally a better tactic where feasible. It always has been a strength of the Anglo-American model as opposed to the French or Spanish model of government.

Various attempts to enlist the support of prominent African Americans on his behalf have generally failed. Possibly that is because he has been championed by so many of the hard right in Miami, including Congressman Diaz Balart, who spoke in Congress in favor of Biscet's birthday in 2001.