In light of the recent arrests of four presidential hopefuls and two public figures in national politics, as well as the legal harassment suffered by human rights defenders, journalists and independent media, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International, said:
“A few months ahead of the presidential elections, Daniel Ortega’s government is continuing its repressive strategy against dissidents or those perceived as such. The Nicaraguan authorities are once again using the judiciary to intimidate and silence human rights defenders, political activists and journalists. These events make clear that the road to the elections will be plagued with acts of repression making it impossible for the population to exercise their political rights without fear of reprisal.”
“The situation of prospective candidates and journalists is particularly concerning. The denunciations of violations of due process suffered by those arrested or brought before courts are accumulating endlessly. We demand the release of all those detained solely for exercising their human rights.”
The Nicaraguan authorities are once again using the judiciary to intimidate and silence human rights defenders, political activists and journalists
Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International
“Daniel Ortega’s government continues to obstruct international scrutiny and ignore calls to halt its repressive policies. Its continued violation of the state’s international human rights commitments necessitates an urgent and robust response from the international community.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Amnesty International press office: [email protected]