Nicaragua

The report focuses on the events that have taken place since 2018, a year in which huge public protests and demonstrations took place, followed in turn by a strong governmental reaction.

Freedom of expression organisations demand the immediate release of the Ticay and the suspension of the recent constitutional reforms linked to the crime of “treason”, which can be used against critics or opponents of the regime.

Nicaraguan authorities never should have detained journalist Victor Ticay in the first place. By accusing him of crimes that carry harsh prison sentences, authorities are showing how little regard they have for press freedom.

“The Nicaraguan government has once again shown little respect for the right to freedom of expression amid an absurd climate of total censorship, which extends even to religious activities.”

International monitoring is key due to repression, lack of judicial independence.

Mendoza was among 222 political prisoners unexpectedly released by Nicaraguan authorities and deported to the US. All of the group, which included ‘La Prensa’ publisher Juan Lorenzo Holmann Chamorro and five other journalists and media workers who asked not to be named to protect the safety of their families, were stripped of their Nicaraguan citizenship.

Along with other journalists and media workers, Holmann was among the 222 political prisoners unexpectedly released and deported by Nicaraguan authorities on February 9. He spoke to CPJ about his experience in prison, and commitment to freedom of expression.

“It is alarming that, in addition to having confiscated and stripped the assets of a private company, the regime now has the gall to use the media’s assets for propaganda purposes.”

The attack against the international network comes on the heels of other incidents against the press in Nicaragua.

The Ortega administration has systematically shut down human rights organisations and other nongovernmental groups to halt their efforts to expose abuses and the authorities’ inability to provide services.

“Nicaraguan authorities should immediately release all staff members of ‘La Prensa’ held in custody, refrain from filing criminal charges against the outlet’s staff, and cease harassing the outlet.”

A judicial resolution dissolved the ‘Trinchera de la Noticia’ company. The National Police occupied the media outlet’s premises and confiscated all its assets.

On May 24, the United Nations Human Rights Council elected those who will make up the “Group of Experts on Human Rights” which will investigate and promote accountability for the serious human rights violations committed since 2018.

The report provides insights into the patterns of systemic discrimination which marginalise women, and remain deeply entrenched in both the publishing industry and the protocols of literary awards in five Latin American countries.