Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, on the island's southern coast, Don Pedro was the most uncompromising fighter for Puerto Rican independence of the 20th Century, spending two decades behind bars for his activities. Albizu Campos was arrested on several occasions for advocating and organizing violent uprisings against the occupying power. During his final incarceration, which lasted from 1954-1964, Don Pedro's health deteriorated badly, which he claimed was a result of his being the guinea pig in unauthorized experiments on the use of radiation. These accusations have since been found to have basis in fact.