For the restoration of the rule of law and democracy in Nicaragua
The CLACSO Working Group on Violence, Governments, and Democracy rejects and condemns the grave situation in Nicaragua. It calls on the international community to exert greater pressure to end the autocratic and dictatorial regime that has systematically destroyed the rule of law and democracy in Nicaragua.
The reality in Nicaragua cannot continue to be tolerated, given the thousands of complaints from Nicaraguan citizens, the report of the Human Rights Council (March 2023) that substantiates the serious violations and abuses of rights, the extrajudicial executions since 2018 and the existence of crimes against humanity; the declaration by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights of permanent contempt of the State of Nicaragua; the cancellation of more than 3.144 legal statuses of national and international non-profit organizations, of 19 universities and the confiscation of their assets.
In defense of democracy in Nicaragua, we reject the co-optation of the legislative and judicial branches, the instrumentalization of criminal and constitutional law, and the use of the law as a violent tool for persecution and control of citizens. Stronger sanctions against the regime of Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo are urgently needed. According to press sources, in his recent speeches, he intends to appoint Murillo as co-president, a position that does not exist in Nicaraguan democracy.
The recent unprecedented events—the exile of 222 political opponents who had been deprived of their liberty in inhumane conditions, and the stripping of nationality, civil and political rights from 94 Nicaraguans accused of treason through the alteration of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Nicaragua—are a clear indication that international pressure must be maintained and increased until the autocratic regime in Nicaragua ends. Although the Nicaraguans were not sent to the United States under humane conditions and detailed information about the process is lacking, this sends a clear message.
We join the thousands of voices demanding the release of the 33 political prisoners, the restoration of the rule of law and democracy in Nicaragua.
We reiterate our unwavering commitment and defense of the Democratic Rule of Law.
March 11th 2024
CLACSO Working Group
Violence, governments and democracy
This text expresses the position of Working Group on Violence, Governments and Democracy and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.
