Nicaragua: Oretga ensures pre-election period 'plagued by repression' as political challengers arrested

Ahead of November’s presidential elections, Daniel Ortega’s government continues repressive strategy against possible challengers

Amnesty’s report highlights the Government’s tactics to deepen repression in Nicaragua

In response to news that four presidential hopefuls and two public figures in national politics have been arrested, as well as legal harassment against human rights defenders, journalists and independent media, Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International, said:

“The Nicaraguan authorities are once again using the judiciary to intimidate and silence human rights defenders, political activists and journalists.

“It's 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 and is accumulating endlessly. We demand the release of all those detained solely for exercising their human rights.

“Daniel Ortega’s government continues to obstruct international scrutiny and ignore calls to halt its repressive policies. An urgent and robust response is needed from the international community.”