Under pressure from the US government, the Nicaraguan government of President Daniel Ortega released 135 political prisoners on humanitarian grounds. The released prisoners were transferred to Guatemala.
Photo: Unión de Presas y Presos Políticos Nicaragüenses/ Facebook
Newsroom (16/09/2024 21:13, Gaudium Press) The US government has secured the release of 135 political prisoners in Nicaragua. This release was due to humanitarian pressure and mediation between Washington and the government of President Daniel Ortega. According to US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, among those freed are 13 members of the Texas-based Mountain Gateway organization, as well as lay Catholics and students.
“Today [Thursday], the Biden and Harris Administration secured the release of 135 political prisoners unjustly detained in Nicaragua on humanitarian grounds. No one should be imprisoned for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression, association, and the practice of their religion,” states the press release signed by Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor.
After their release, the former prisoners were transferred to Guatemala with the agreement of the Guatemalan government to host the group, as stated by the White House. Those released will have the opportunity to seek legal ways to rebuild their lives in the United States or other countries. Upon arriving in Guatemala City, the 135 people were welcomed by local authorities, as well as representatives of organizations working to support migrants.
This release came just days before a report on Nicaragua discussed at the opening of the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council. The report denounces that repression in the country has worsened in recent years with arbitrary arrests and torture.
In fact, in recent years, the Ortega government has frequently detained and expelled people it considers hostile to its rule. In January, Nicaragua exiled 19 members of the Catholic clergy, sending them to the Vatican. Among them was Bishop Rolando Alvarez, who had been convicted of treason and sentenced to 26 years in prison.
Compiled by Teresa Joseph
