blogger and all other dissidents, journalists and human rights activists
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
PUBLIC STATEMENT
27 January 2012
AI Index: AMR 19/002/2012
Br azilian Government must d efend the rights of Yoani Sánchez , Cuban
blogger and all other dissidents, journalists and human rights activist s
The news that Brazil has issued a visa for Yoani Sánchez, the Cuban
blogger and human rights activist, to visit the country for a film
festival is an important step in recognising her right to freedom of
movement. The Cuban authorities must now grant her permission to travel
to Brazil to attend the screening of a documentary by Brazilian
documentary-maker Dado Galvão in Jequié, Bahia State, on 10 February.
The film features the story of Yoani Sánchez and other bloggers.
Amnesty International is calling on the Brazilian government to
intervene with the Cuban authorities so that Yoani Sanchez is given
permission to travel freely to and from Cuba. On 20 January 2012 Amnesty
International wrote to Brazil's Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota,
calling on the Brazilian government to intervene in this case and to
discuss human rights violations in Cuba. (see letter
http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/AMR19/001/2012/pt)
President Dilma Rousseff will be visiting Cuba on 31 January 2012.
Amnesty International urges her to raise Yoeni Sánchez' case with the
Cuban authorities as well as the issue of freedom of expression,
association, assembly and movement which is of serious concern. The case
of Yoani Sánchez and her visit to Brazil gives the Brazilian authorities
an opportunity to engage on those issues with the Cuban government.
The Cuban authorities continue to severely restrict the freedom of
expression, assembly, and association of political dissidents,
journalists and human rights activists. Dissidents, journalists and
human rights activists are subject to arbitrary house arrest and other
restrictions to prevent them from carrying out legitimate and peaceful
activities. In addition, the Cuban government is using the denial of
exit permits as a punitive measure against government critics and
dissidents.
Amnesty International trusts that President Rousseff will use her
upcoming visit to Cuba to reinforce Brazil's increasing global influence
in the promotion and protection of human rights.
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