In recent news, the United States has successfully secured the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua, including students and members of a faith organization. These prisoners were part of a larger group of Nicaraguans who had been caught up in a prolonged crackdown on rights by the government led by President Daniel Ortega. The prisoners were sent to neighboring Guatemala and may have the opportunity to relocate to the US. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan condemned the arbitrary arrests and detention of individuals for peacefully exercising their rights of free expression, association, and religion.
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo confirmed the arrival of a plane carrying the released Nicaraguans in his country, following the announcement made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praising the release. The United Nations Human Rights Office recently reported instances of torture and abuse suffered by detainees in Ortega’s government. The crackdown on dissent in Nicaragua began in 2018 during student-led protests against a proposed social security law. Ortega’s government responded by deploying paramilitary forces, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 355 people between April 2018 and July 2019.
President Ortega has been criticized for his autocratic tendencies, including lifting term limits and consolidating power under his control. Ahead of the 2021 elections, his administration arrested opposition candidates and leaders of the Catholic Church who mediated the protests. Ortega’s government has also banned thousands of nongovernmental organizations since 2018, limiting civic space and fundamental rights in Nicaragua. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed alarm at the erosion of civil liberties in the country and the challenges faced by those seeking to exercise their rights.
The UN report highlighted concerns over a proposed law that could target individuals living abroad for certain crimes, potentially intimidating exiled citizens and foreigners for expressing their views. Among those released this week were members of a Texas-based Christian group accused of money laundering and organized crime by Nicaraguan authorities. Similar to a previous flight in February 2023, where 200 prisoners were released and flown to the US, the recent releases have been viewed with a mixture of relief and caution by human rights observers. There are fears that Ortega may be using these releases to eliminate dissent by stripping the prisoners of their citizenship and property in Nicaragua.
The actions of Ortega’s government have drawn widespread condemnation for their suppression of dissent and violation of human rights. The international community, including the United States and the United Nations, have called on Nicaragua to respect the rights of its citizens and cease the arbitrary arrests and detention of individuals for expressing their views. The release of political prisoners, while a positive development, is only a small step towards addressing the larger issue of authoritarianism and repression in Nicaragua. It is crucial for the international community to continue monitoring the situation in the country and advocating for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms for all Nicaraguans.
