In a surprising move, the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo has set free a number of political prisoners in Nicaragua this Saturday.
The release coincides with "the commemoration of our 19th anniversary," according to an official statement from the government.
The statement further notes that the individuals who were freed have "returned to their homes and families" after being held "under the custody of the relevant authorities."
Local media sources in Nicaragua unofficially report that as many as 30 individuals have been released.
Among those liberated, as reported by the Nicaraguan outlet La Prensa, are Jessica Palacios, Armando Bermúdez, Olga María Lara Rojas, Mauricio Alonso, Mario Rodríguez Serrano, Pedro López, María José Rojas, Óscar Velásquez, and evangelical pastor, Ruddy Palacios.
Additionally, Óscar Gadea, the former mayor of Santa María de Pantasma and a member of the Citizens for Liberty Party (CxL), was also released. He had been forcibly disappeared since last May.
This announcement surfaces amid escalating pressure from the United States on regional regimes following the arrest of Nicolás Maduro.
“In Nicaragua, more than 60 people remain unjustly detained or disappeared, including pastors, religious workers, the sick, and the elderly,” the U.S. Embassy in Managua tweeted yesterday.
“Peace is only possible with freedom,” the tweet added, quoting Trump.
Impact of Political Prisoner Releases in Nicaragua
Why did Nicaragua release political prisoners?
The Nicaraguan government stated that the release was in connection with the "commemoration of our 19th anniversary." However, it is widely believed to be a response to mounting international pressure, particularly from the United States.
Who were some of the notable individuals released?
Among those released were Jessica Palacios, Armando Bermúdez, Olga María Lara Rojas, Mauricio Alonso, Mario Rodríguez Serrano, Pedro López, María José Rojas, Óscar Velásquez, Ruddy Palacios, and Óscar Gadea.