U.S. Announces Release of 135 Political Prisoners in Nicaragua

GUATEMALA CITY — On Thursday, the U.S. government announced the successful release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua, who have now arrived in Guatemala. They will be applying for entry into the United States or other countries.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that their release was granted on humanitarian grounds. He emphasized the belief that no individual should be imprisoned for peacefully expressing their fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, association, and the practice of religion.

Eric Jacobstein, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, provided context to reporters by explaining that the Nicaraguan government received nothing in return for the release of these prisoners. He noted that this negotiation does not reflect any change in Washington’s stance toward President Daniel Ortega’s administration.

Jacobstein pointed out that “though the pressure itself has been consistent, the planning and execution of this release was rapid.” He highlighted efforts made to ensure the safety of these individuals throughout their journey, describing Nicaragua as still unjustly detaining many people.

When asked whether any prisoners were willing to be released but chose not to leave, Jacobstein refrained from commenting further.

Upon meeting the Nicaraguans in Guatemala, Jacobstein expressed concern over the “true pettiness and cruelty” exhibited by Ortega’s government, particularly in imprisoning individuals without just cause. He reported that even though these individuals faced severe hardships, they appeared to be in good health and high spirits.

Among those released were 13 members of a Texas-based religious charity, along with various students and other individuals. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo extended his support by agreeing to accommodate these Nicaraguans as they apply for entry into the United States.

On Thursday morning, the Nicaraguans were transported from a Guatemalan air base, and some could be seen waving from the windows of the buses.

So far, the Nicaraguan government has not confirmed the news regarding the prisoners’ release. Human rights advocate Haydeé Castillo referred to the release as a “triumph for the Nicaraguan people’s resistance,” although she pointed out that such freedom comes at the cost of being forced into exile. She asserted, “Nobody should be held prisoner for thinking differently,” and mentioned that advocates are currently reviewing lists to determine how many political prisoners still remain incarcerated.

Ivannia Alvarez, an exiled Nicaraguan and member of the Recognition Mechanism for Political Prisoners, suggested in her recent count that 151 individuals are still behind bars, indicating that some remain detained.

The Texas-based organization Mountain Gateway confirmed that 13 of its members were released after spending nine months in captivity. Pastor Jon Britton Hancock, the organization’s founder, expressed gratitude, stating, “This is the day we have prayed for.”

Environmental activist Amaru Ruiz noted on social media that among those released were eight Indigenous forest rangers, underscoring the need for continued advocacy.

Sullivan reiterated the U.S. government’s stance, calling on the Nicaraguan government to halt the arbitrary arrests and detentions of its citizens for exercising their fundamental rights. The U.S. referred to those released as political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.

This announcement came just two days after Nicaragua’s National Assembly approved changes to the criminal code. These changes allow the government to prosecute Nicaraguans and foreigners in absentia, which has drawn concerns regarding increased repression against dissenting voices.

Following massive protests in 2018 that the Ortega administration labeled as a failed coup, many opposition figures were exiled, and countless Nicaraguans have fled the country to escape ongoing repression. The government has also closed down over 5,000 organizations, many of which were religiously affiliated.

In a hopeful message, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that these individuals arrived in Guatemala safely and voluntarily. He extended thanks to President Arévalo for his administration’s support during this process. Blinken also called attention to the unjust detainment faced by these individuals for exercising their fundamental freedoms.