The United States has successfully secured the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua, marking a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Washington and President Daniel Ortega’s increasingly authoritarian government. The prisoners, who include members of faith organizations, students, and others deemed a threat by Ortega’s regime, were transferred to neighboring Guatemala, where they will have the opportunity to seek relocation to the United States.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized the U.S. stance on human rights, stating, “No one should be imprisoned for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights of free expression, association, and practicing their religion.” He called on the Nicaraguan government to cease the arbitrary arrest and detention of its citizens.
This release follows a similar event in February 2023, when over 200 prisoners were flown to the United States. While many former prisoners have expressed relief at their release, some human rights activists remain skeptical, viewing Ortega’s actions as strategic moves to eliminate opponents while attempting to curry favor with the U.S.
Among those released are 13 members of Mountain Gateway, a Texas-based evangelical Christian group. Earlier this year, Nicaraguan authorities accused the group of money laundering and organized crime, charges the organization vehemently denied.
Ortega, a former leftist guerrilla who fought against U.S.-backed forces in the 1980s, returned to power in 2007 with a more moderate image. However, he has since abolished presidential term limits, consolidated control over all branches of government, and launched a crackdown on perceived threats, including the Catholic Church and non-governmental organizations.
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