Dozens of Nicaraguan prisoners released under US pressure and diplomatic efforts

Nicaragua Releases Dozens of Prisoners Amid US Pressure

The government of Nicaragua announced Saturday that dozens of prisoners have been released, citing a desire to commemorate 19 years of President Daniel Ortega’s rule. The statement did not provide details on the number of individuals freed or whether they were detained for political reasons.

According to reports, the release comes amid growing pressure from the US over Nicaragua’s human rights record and its treatment of opposition leaders and activists. The US Embassy in Nicaragua praised the release of opposition figures in Venezuela following President Nicolas Maduro’s removal from power, calling on Ortega’s government to follow suit.

The Nicaraguan government stated that the move was a gesture to commemorate 19 years of Ortega’s rule. However, human rights organizations have identified numerous individuals detained or missing in Nicaragua, including pastors, religious workers, and activists.

A coalition of opposition groups, Liberales Nicaragua, praised the prisoners’ release, stating that it resulted from “political pressure exerted by the US government on the dictatorship” and “political chess moves triggered by events in Venezuela”. The group did not provide further details.

The US has been critical of Ortega’s government over its human rights record and treatment of opposition figures. The country is under significant pressure to address these concerns, following a years-long crackdown on dissent.

Source: Al Jazeera