EFF is deeply concerned to hear of the arrest of Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sánchez, along with her husband, journalist Reinaldo Escobar, and blogger Agustín Díaz. According to reports, the trio was arrested in the eastern province of Bayamo, where they had traveled to attend the trial of a Spanish political activist facing vehicular homicide charges in the crash that killed democracy activists Oswaldo Payá and Harold Cepero. The purpose of Carromero's visit to Cuba was to meet with human rights activists.
The official reason for their arrest is currently unknown. Global Voices has compiled reactions to the arrests from Cuban bloggers.
Sánchez has become one of Cuba's most prominent bloggers over the years, winning several awards and being named to TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential Peoplein 2008. Due to Cuba's tight restrictions on Internet use, she has often relied upon networks outside of the country to publish her posts. Sánchez has repeatedly been denied permission to leave the country.We join the Committee to Protect Journalists in condemning the arrest of the three bloggers and call on Cuban authorities to release Sánchez, Escobar and Díaz immediately.
