Havana, Cuba, Feb 23, 2008 / 09:10 am (CNA).- The Lawton Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba demanded this Friday the immediate release of Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, a Catholic pro-life leader who attracted the ire of the Cuban government after publicly protesting against abortion and the death penalty, which are both legal in the country.

In its statement, the Lawton foundation—founded by Biscet himself—demands "the release of Biscet and all Cuban political prisoners, so that this peaceful human rights activist may continue his struggle for justice in Cuba.”

“We urgently ask all men and women of  good will, the international press, human rights organizations, world health organizations and dignitaries of democratic nations to denounce before the Cuban government the unjust incarceration, criminal accusations, and imminent trial of this Cuban physician whose only crime is to honor the Universal Declaration of  Human Rights in his own country," the organization said.

The demand coincides with the visit of Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone to Cuba, commemorating the 10th anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to the Island.

For more information email: lawtonfoundation@lawtonfoundation.com

03:07 pm | Spouse of Costa Rican presidential candidate 'pockets' Eucharist

02:15 pm | Vatican responds to widely divergent reports on Boffo resignation

12:56 pm | Venezuelan cardinal calls for new evangelization of country's capital

11:11 am | International congress to focus on priestly identity and celibacy

07:10 am | Former Saints star says Super Bowl victory revealed a ‘team with destiny’

Dissident talks about political transition in Cuba

Christian dissident denounces elections in Cuba as illegitimate

Christian Liberation Movement calls for electoral laws allowing Cubans “to elect and be elected”

Dissident leaders historic peaceful march for liberation of political prisoners in Cuba