The latest move follows the mass release of more than 200 prisoners in February 2023

Washington:

The United States announced on Thursday that it had successfully negotiated the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua. This marks the latest in a series of mass releases by President Daniel Ortega’s government, which has been criticized for its increasing authoritarianism.

The White House revealed that the released prisoners included individuals from various backgrounds, such as members of faith organizations and students, who were perceived as a threat to Ortega’s regime.

The freed prisoners have been transported to Guatemala, where they will have the opportunity to seek asylum in the United States. This development comes as President Bernardo Arevalo of Guatemala has been working closely with Washington on addressing migration issues.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a statement calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Nicaragua. He emphasized the importance of restoring democracy in the country and ensuring the protection of human rights and freedoms.

Photo Credit: AFP

The recent release of 135 political prisoners follows a similar mass release of more than 200 individuals in February 2023, who were also granted asylum in the United States.

While some former prisoners have expressed relief at being able to leave Nicaragua, there are concerns among human rights activists that Ortega’s actions are motivated by ulterior motives, including appeasing Washington.

Among the released prisoners are 13 members of Mountain Gateway, an evangelical Christian group based in Texas. The group had faced allegations of money laundering and organized crime by Nicaraguan authorities earlier this year.

Ortega, a former leftist guerrilla who rose to power in 2007, has faced criticism for his consolidation of power and crackdown on dissenting voices in the country.

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