UN Experts: Nicaragua Government Responsible for At Least 8 Custodial Deaths Since 2018
On Tuesday, the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua released a report accusing the Nicaraguan government of responsibility for at least eight deaths of individuals in custody since 2018, which aligns with a severe crackdown on dissent following widespread protests. The report also notes that at least 161 people have gone missing during this time. This document further criticizes the regime of co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, known for silencing opposition and recently canceling elections. Jan-Michael Simon, the group's chair, emphasized that a government that permits enforced disappearances and deaths in custody fails to meet basic human rights standards for true democracy. The report also highlighted inconsistencies in the government’s account of Indigenous Miskito leader Brooklyn Rivera’s death after 32 months in prison.
Key facts
- UN experts say the Nicaraguan government is responsible for at least eight deaths in custody since 2018.
- At least 161 people have disappeared since 2018, when a crackdown on dissent began after mass protests.
- The findings come from the UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua in a report released Tuesday.
- Nicaragua is led by married co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.
- The government has crushed dissent since the 2018 mass protests and recently cancelled elections.
- Jan-Michael Simon chairs the UN expert group.
- The report cited inconsistencies in the government's account of the in-custody death of Indigenous Miskito leader Brooklyn Rivera.
- Brooklyn Rivera was imprisoned for 32 months with almost no contact with his family before he died in May.
Entities
Artists
- Daniel Ortega
- Rosario Murillo
- Jan-Michael Simon
- Brooklyn Rivera
Institutions
- United Nations
- UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua
Locations
- Nicaragua