US Secures Release of 135 Prisoners in Nicaragua

The US has successfully secured the release of 135 political prisoners in Nicaragua, including students, religious leaders, and members of a Texas-based Christian mission. The prisoners were unjustly detained under President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, who viewed them as a threat to their authoritarian rule.

The released prisoners will be resettled in Guatemala. Ortega, a former guerrilla leader, has been in power for his fourth consecutive term and has faced criticism from the US and the European Union for his authoritarian regime.

The US thanks Guatemala for generously accepting these Nicaraguan citizens. Nicaragua has been cracking down on civil society, recently closing nearly 170 non-governmental organizations, including Save the Children.

The release of these political prisoners marks a positive step towards greater respect for human rights and freedom of expression in Nicaragua.