In a significant legal move, an Argentine judge has issued an arrest warrant for Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, citing his alleged extensive human rights violations. Lawyer Dario Richarte revealed that this warrant also extends to Ortega’s wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo. Relying on universal jurisdiction principles, the judge seeks to hold Ortega and others accountable for serious crimes that transcend borders, including murder and torture.
Federal Judge Ariel Lijo additionally ordered the detention of around a dozen individuals associated with Ortega’s regime. Richarte detailed the chilling accusations against the couple, such as forced disappearances and deportation. The case was initially brought forth last year by a cadre of prosecutors from the University of Buenos Aires, shining a light on the gravity of the situation.
Ortega, a former guerrilla leader now 79, has increasingly embraced authoritarianism since reclaiming power in 2007, consolidating authority across all state branches. His administration has particularly targeted dissent, dismantling over 5,000 NGOs since quelling protests in 2018 that saw over 300 lives lost, according to the UN. As a result, most independent media operate from abroad, underscoring the stifling of free expression.
Since February 2023, around 450 individuals—ranging from politicians to journalists—have been stripped of their nationality, facing accusations of treason from Ortega’s government. Rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, voiced grave concerns over the perilous state of safety for Nicaraguans. Ana Piquer, the Americas director at Amnesty, emphasized the state’s rampant repression, stating that all sectors of society are endangered under Ortega’s regime.
An Argentine judge has ordered the arrest of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega for alleged human rights violations, which includes crimes like murder and torture. The warrant extends to Vice-President Rosario Murillo and others tied to Ortega’s regime. This action underscores the escalating authoritarianism in Nicaragua as the government continues to suppress dissent and civil liberties.
This recent arrest warrant against Ortega signals a crucial response to the deteriorating human rights situation in Nicaragua. It reflects a growing international commitment to address impunity for human rights violations. Ortega’s government has fostered an environment of fear, silencing dissent and punishing those who oppose their harsh governance.
The article underscores the rising authoritarianism in Nicaragua under Daniel Ortega, highlighting severe human rights abuses and the global response through Argentina’s legal actions. It places the arrest warrant in the broader context of international law, specifically the principle of universal jurisdiction that allows countries to prosecute human rights violators. The political climate in Nicaragua has become increasingly dangerous for dissenters, with widespread repression stifling freedoms and protections.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
