In Nicaragua, at least 60 individuals have been detained for allegedly celebrating or expressing support for the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This information comes from human rights organizations and independent media sources.
Nicaraguan authorities have apprehended numerous citizens for backing the U.S. military operation on January 3rd, which resulted in Maduro's arrest in Caracas and his subsequent transfer to New York on charges related to drug trafficking and arms smuggling.
This news has been corroborated by the Blue and White Monitoring NGO and local media, who describe these actions as a crackdown solely based on opinion expression. This was reported by AFP and reproduced by the British newspaper The Guardian.
According to the organization, since the arrest of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, there have been "at least 60 arbitrary arrests." Of these, 49 individuals remained detained as of Friday with no information regarding their legal status, while nine were released and three were temporarily held.
The group reported that these arrests occurred without judicial warrants, relying on social media comments, private celebrations, or refusal to echo official propaganda.
The Nicaraguan newspaper Confidencial, operating in exile, noted that these arrests were part of a "state of alert" ordered by Rosario Murillo, Vice President and wife of Daniel Ortega, which involved neighborhood surveillance and social media monitoring.
Meanwhile, the newspaper La Prensa stated that several detentions were prompted by posts "in favor" of the U.S. operation against Maduro.
This new wave of repression comes amid heightened regional tensions and a close political alliance between the Ortega-Murillo regime and the Chavista government.
The day prior to these arrests becoming public, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned he had canceled a second phase of attacks against Venezuela, citing cooperation from Caracas in the oil sector and the release of political prisoners, although he maintained a naval fleet in the Caribbean.
Simultaneously, the Nicaraguan government announced on Saturday the release of "dozens of political prisoners" in honor of the regime's 19th anniversary.
Local media estimate that up to 30 individuals were freed, including former mayor Óscar Gadea, as well as several opposition figures and religious leaders.
However, independent organizations and the U.S. Embassy in Managua warned that over 60 people remain detained or missing, including pastors, the ill, and the elderly, emphasizing that "peace is only achievable through freedom."
Nicaragua's Political Climate and Human Rights Concerns
Why were people arrested in Nicaragua?
Individuals in Nicaragua were arrested for allegedly celebrating or supporting the U.S. military operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's arrest.
What role did social media play in the arrests?
Social media comments were used as evidence against those detained, with authorities cracking down on individuals who refused to align with official propaganda.
How has the international community responded to these events?
The U.S. Embassy and independent organizations have condemned the arrests, emphasizing the need for freedom and human rights in Nicaragua.