After 3rd arrest in 3 days, Fariñas is released (UPDATED x 3)

Guillermo Fariñas outside his home on Friday, after his second arrest and detention this week and before his third arrest. (Associated Press photo)

UPDATED, 12:15 p.m., Jan. 29, 2011 — Guillermo Fariñas was released from the hospital today and allowed to return home, according Radio Martí.

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UPDATED, 6:55 a.m., Jan. 29, 2011 — Europa Press reports that although hospitalized, he remains in police custody. His mother has been unable to learn any additional information, according to the report.

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UPDATED, 9:45 p.m. EST — Claudia Cadelo tweets that Guillermo Fariñas has been admitted to a hospital with chest pains. "If something happens to Fariñas, we know who will be responsible: the government of Cuba."

Reuters has more.

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UPDATED, 5:35 p.m. EST - Yoani Sanchez tweets that Guillermo Farinas today was arrested for the third time in three days, while attempting to take flowers to the tomb of Jose Marti. Today is the 158th anniversary of his birth.

Guillermo Fariñas and other activists being arrested by Cuban secret police today. See more photos here.

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Cuban independent journalist/human rights activist Guillermo Farinas was released from jail this morning after 18 hours in police custody.

Farinas says police are afraid Cubans are about to take to the streets, which would explain why they moved so hard against Farinas and other activists in Santa Clara this week.

After all, look what is happening in Tunisia, Egypt and other places where the Castros' fellow "strongmen" are being challenged by the people.

Farinas, one of Cuba's best know dissidents, was arrested on two separate occasions this week.