In a gripping session at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, human rights organizations raised alarm over the relentless persecution faced by individuals in Nicaragua. The Centro por la Justicia y el Derecho Internacional (CEJIL) and allied groups highlighted the dire situation of 97 out of 116 beneficiaries who have been subjected to state-sanctioned repression, with many either imprisoned or stripped of their nationality and forced into exile.
Testimonies during the hearing revealed Nicaragua’s continued systematic disregard for the Court’s mandates. A staggering 88 beneficiaries have been expelled while 7 remain behind bars, and one individual is still missing. This worrying pattern of oppression underscores governmental tactics employed against dissenters, including the confiscation of property and denial of essential documents.
Recent actions by the Nicaraguan state signal an intensifying crackdown on freedoms, fostering an environment rife with fear. Legislative changes have fortified authoritarianism, evidenced by a concentration of power, the normalization of police brutality, and the dismantling of protections for political prisoners.
Moreover, the outreach of repression is extending beyond Nicaragua’s borders. Authorities are reportedly using false charges to target exiles, potentially enlisting international bodies like INTERPOL for their pursuits, thus broadening their oppressive regime onto foreign soil.
In light of these grave violations, the organizations implored the Court to uphold the provisional protective measures for those affected. They demanded the restoration of rights and nationality for beneficiaries and urged the return of confiscated properties while ensuring victims can safely return from exile.
They also called for immediate release of unlawfully detained individuals, accountability for acts of persecution, and a clarion call was made to international entities to pressure Nicaragua into abiding by its human rights obligations.
Human rights organizations presented alarming evidence of sustained repression in Nicaragua before the Inter-American Court. They reported that 97 out of 116 beneficiaries face persecution including arbitrary detention and loss of nationality, urging the Court to uphold protective measures. The Nicaraguan government’s oppressive tactics extend beyond its borders, prompting appeals for international action against these violations.
The hearing at the Inter-American Court highlights the urgent need for continued international scrutiny and pressure on Nicaragua, emphasizing severe human rights violations and the dire consequences of state-sponsored repression. With innocent lives at stake, immediate actions to restore rights, release detainees, and ensure accountability are paramount. The world watches, urging transformative change and justice in Nicaragua.
Original Source: cejil.org
