Prominent Cuban journalist Yoani Sánchez released after being detained in Havana; third independent reporter held this week

Award-winning Cuban independent journalist Yoani Sánchez has been released from custody after being detained by Cuban authorities Thursday morning in Havana.

Sánchez, founder of the independent news outlet 14ymedio, confirmed her release in a post on social media.

"Cuba, I just got home," Sánchez wrote.

Sánchez was reportedly arrested while on her way to a store, marking the third detention of an independent journalist in Havana this week.

Cuban activist and Cuba expert Orlando Gutiérrez said the arrests reflect the Cuban government's ongoing efforts to restrict independent reporting on the island, where all media outlets are legally required to belong to the state.

"I think the repression is a direct result of a regime that doesn't want news and information circulating on the island because they want to cover up their huge failures in running Cuba and their huge crimes against humanity," Gutiérrez said.

Gutiérrez noted that international pressure could help prevent future arrests, specifically pointing to the European Union and suggesting that suspending funding to the Cuban government could make a difference.

"If the European Union says to hold on all funding for the Castro dictatorship, we're going to stop sending you money; this could really make a difference and stop these arrests," Gutiérrez said.

Sánchez stated she plans to share more about her experience in custody on Friday, adding that she intends to highlight the pain and lack of protection experienced by people who lack public visibility.