Yoani is absent at State Department tribute

Yoani is absent at State Department tribute

Yoani Sánchez was one of the 10 recipients of the State Department's
annual Award for International Women of Courage. (fot5) The award
"recognizes women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage
and leadership in advocating for women's rights and empowerment, often
at great personal risk."

According to the State Department's website, "blogger, technological
innovator, and emerging civil society leader Yoani Sanchez has attracted
an international following for her blog, Generación Y, which gives
readers unprecedented insight into life in Cuba.

"She has worked to improve the ability of ordinary Cubans to access and
disseminate information, and to expand information flow and free
expression throughout Cuba. She has been credited as the 'founder' of
the independent Cuban blogosphere.

"Her work has expanded beyond blogging to training and advising dozens
of newcomers to the blogosphere, providing a voice for young Cubans and
for established civil society leaders."

Sánchez was not at the ceremony in Washington, Tuesday morning. Cuban
authorities took back her passport, she told Europa Press by phone.

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