The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) sat to listen to poignant testimonies from political prisoners and human rights organizations against the ongoing banishment and denationalization policies of Nicaragua’s Ortega regime. These actions, widely condemned, infringe on the rights and dignity of numerous victims, rendering them stateless and exposed to further persecution.
During the hearing, held on February 4, 2025, several organizations urged the Court to uphold the provisional measures established in 2021 to protect 116 Nicaraguans who were imprisoned and later expelled without citizenship. Witnesses shared heartbreaking stories of loss, with many banished individuals facing a life devoid of legal recognition or rights.
Among the groups present were the Center for Justice and International Law and Raza e Igualdad, representing 97 individuals under Court protection. They exposed that while 88 of these victims have been banished, others remain detained under brutal conditions, with reports of healthcare neglect and cruel treatment amplifying their suffering.
A notable absence was the Nicaraguan government, which failed to attend the hearing, thus evading accountability for its actions. Camilo Ormar voiced concern over this contempt for IACHR orders, stating, “Nicaragua continues in permanent contempt for the orders of the Tribunal, which prolongs the beneficiaries’ utter vulnerability and increases the risks they find themselves exposed to.”
Personal testimonies struck a profound chord. Juan Sebastian Chamorro, a former prisoner, described his anguish: “Our banishment was an act of cruelty, … it separated and continues separating families.” Many shared that their forced exile led to both physical and psychological scars, with the lack of nationality leaving them vulnerable and powerless.
Additional reports revealed the confiscation of properties and assets belonging to those receiving protections, adding economic distress to their plight. Human rights advocate Evelyn Pinto shared her struggle with health issues since her imprisonment and the threat posed by losing her pension due to government actions.
The hearing underscored the urgency to address the dire situation of at least 453 Nicaraguans deprived of citizenship, as emphasized by Ariela Peralta, a member of the UN Group of Human Rights Experts. She condemned the systemic persecution and legal reforms that have entrenched these injustices within Nicaragua’s governing policies, labeling such actions as crimes against humanity.
The IACHR heard powerful testimonies from political prisoners and human rights organizations condemning Nicaragua’s Ortega regime for its policy of banishment and denationalization. Released prisoners shared the severe impact of their forced exile, while organizations emphasized the need to uphold protective measures. The hearing highlighted the plight of at least 453 Nicaraguans stripped of citizenship and the government’s disturbing absence marked a trend of defiance against international law.
The ongoing plight of Nicaraguans facing banishment and denationalization under the Ortega regime reveals a grim reality of systemic oppression and the erosion of human rights. The testimonies presented to the IACHR reflect the dire circumstances of political prisoners and the urgent need for international intervention. The absence of the Nicaraguan government at the hearing illustrates its disregard for human rights and its commitment to punishing dissenting voices. Organizations continue to advocate for the restoration of nationality and protection of the rights of those affected, urging the IACHR to act decisively against these violations.
Original Source: havanatimes.org
