6 February 2012
"The Cuban government's repeated denial of exit permits to critics like
Yoani Sánchez can only be seen as retaliation for the expression of
their legitimate political views and activism."
Javier Zúñiga, Special Advisor to Amnesty International
Mon, 06/02/2012
The Cuban government must reform an arbitrary exit permit scheme that
affects all Cubans and is used to punish freedom of expression, Amnesty
International said today after a prominent blogger was again blocked
from travelling abroad.
On Friday, Cuba's migration authorities denied blogger and activist
Yoani Sánchez an exit permit (white card or tarjeta blanca) for the 19th
time in four years. As on previous occasions, no reason was given for
the decision.
The well-known author of Generación Y had been invited to speak at the
premiere screening in Brazil's Bahía state on 10 February of a
documentary on freedom of expression in Cuba and Honduras. Brazil had
already issued her a visa to enter the country.
"The Cuban government's repeated denial of exit permits to critics like
Yoani Sánchez can only be seen as retaliation for the expression of
their legitimate political views and activism," said Javier Zúñiga,
Special Advisor to Amnesty International.
"Those fighting for freedom of expression, association, and movement
must be authorized to leave and re-enter the country without arbitrary
restrictions, and the Cuban authorities must end other tactics used to
clamp down on peaceful dissent."
Cuban President Raúl Castro has yet to follow through on changes to
migration policies promised as part of a series of reforms announced in
2011.
Yoaní Sánchez's blog covers daily life on the island and the many
restrictions placed on Cubans' enjoyment of political and civil rights.
Her peaceful political activism is highlighted in Brazilian filmmaker
Dado Galvão's new documentary Connection Cuba-Honduras.
After the Cuban authorities' most recent decision to prevent her from
travelling, Yoani Sánchez expressed her frustration via Twitter:
"I feel like a hostage kidnapped by someone who won't listen or give
explanations. If all this effort helps to shine a light on the migratory
absurdity we Cubans are trapped in, then it was worth it."
The blogger's work has earned her numerous prizes overseas, but the
Cuban authorities have repeatedly blocked her from attending the award
ceremonies.
On 20 January, Amnesty International wrote to Brazil's Minister of
External Relations, urging him to intervene to ensure Yoani Sánchez
would be allowed to leave Cuba.
On a state visit to Cuba last week, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff
mentioned that the blogger had been granted a visa to enter Brazil, but
fell short of pressing the Cuban government to allow her to leave.
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/cuban-blogger-blocked-travelling-film-premiere-brazil-2012-02-06
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