Biscet has been arrested multiple times, including once after he accused the Cuban government of allowing and hiding botched abortions.
While in prison, he was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush for opposing the Castro regime.
The Catholic Church in Cuba helped secure Biscet’s release – along with over 50 other dissidents – in March 2011. After his release, he chose to remain in Cuba and continue fighting for human rights.
In his testimony, Biscet described the cruel treatment he suffered and observed during almost 12 years in prison.
The Cuban regime does not follow U.N. standards for the treatment of imprisoned people, but instead treats them with “no human dignity at all,” he said.
Political prisoners are held alongside those who have committed actual crimes to make them feel as though they are also criminals, he explained.
They are stripped naked and tortured with taser guns, left in the dark with no medical attention, drinkable water or ventilation, he said. They are not allowed to access a restroom or speak to anyone else.
He described how some prisoners are left dangling with their hands bound above their heads and their feet barely touching the ground for up to 24 hours.
Biscet stressed the need for a greater awareness of these human rights violations within the international community.
“They seem not to be getting the point or understand that this is really happening,” he explained.
Biscet also fears another missile crisis – involving Iran, Venezuela and the U.S. – if action is not taken to intervene.
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He added that he hopes Pope Benedict XVI will be able to advocate for freedom in his visit to Cuba next month.
Michelle La Rosa is deputy editor-in-chief of Catholic News Agency. She has worked for CNA since 2011. She studied political philosophy and journalism at the University of Dallas.