United Nations investigators presented evidence on Thursday showing that Nicaragua's leadership has committed widespread abuses against its citizens, with some acts potentially qualifying as crimes against humanity. The panel called on government officials to free those held without legal justification and halt forced disappearances across the country.
Experts compiled testimony from over 1,900 individuals and analyzed 9,300 records, revealing state-sponsored oppression tactics. Ariel Peralta, serving on the investigative team, explained that authorities revoke citizenship from critics of President Daniel Ortega's administration to silence opposition voices. Hundreds living abroad have lost their passports and cannot return home. Another working group noted that disappearances seem directed by top officials to intimidate the public into avoiding dissent. Roberto Samcam, a former military officer who criticized the regime, was killed in Costa Rica in June after escaping Nicaragua following 2018 demonstrations.
These conclusions follow February's approval of constitutional changes that centralize authority in the presidency. The amendments established a co-president position held by Rosario Murillo, who is married to Ortega, and permit suspension of basic freedoms when emergencies are declared.
Experts compiled testimony from over 1,900 individuals and analyzed 9,300 records, revealing state-sponsored oppression tactics. Ariel Peralta, serving on the investigative team, explained that authorities revoke citizenship from critics of President Daniel Ortega's administration to silence opposition voices. Hundreds living abroad have lost their passports and cannot return home. Another working group noted that disappearances seem directed by top officials to intimidate the public into avoiding dissent. Roberto Samcam, a former military officer who criticized the regime, was killed in Costa Rica in June after escaping Nicaragua following 2018 demonstrations.
These conclusions follow February's approval of constitutional changes that centralize authority in the presidency. The amendments established a co-president position held by Rosario Murillo, who is married to Ortega, and permit suspension of basic freedoms when emergencies are declared.
