Nicaragua: Opposition groups call for new protests August 11, 12, and 15 /update 38

Event

Opposition groups announced plans on Wednesday, August 8, to hold marches in Managua on Saturday, August 11, Sunday, August 12, and Wednesday, August 15, calling for the release of political prisoners. The August 15 march coincides with the trial of Medardo Mairena, a leader of the Campesino Movement who was arrested in July. Leaders of the Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy and the Coalition for the Articulation of Social Movements also called for President Daniel Ortega to resume a dialogue, which began on May 16 but stalled in mid-June.

The Nicaraguan government announced on Tuesday, August 7, that 197 people have died in protests, blaming the opposition groups of "coup-driven terrorism." The Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights both claim that 317 have been killed in the unrest that began on April 18, with another 2000 people wounded in the clashes. Other non-governmental organizations estimate the death toll to be close to 450. Over 130 opposition leaders have been arrested and charged with terrorism.

Context

The current unrest, which began with small student protests in Managua, rapidly expanded. Regular protests have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence. Human rights groups estimate that 300 to 400 people have been killed in relation to protests since April, with thousands more wounded. Around 23,000 people have fled the country. Activists accuse the government and pro-government militias of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, using weapons of war against protesters, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, raiding homes without a warrant, and attacking the press.

The World Medical Association (WMA) has also warned that the country’s health system has collapsed amid the crisis, with hospitals reportedly turning away injured protesters and doctors pressured by the government to refuse care. The ongoing violence has also prevented health workers from carrying out mosquito eradication efforts, increasing the risk of large-scale outbreaks of diseases such as dengue fever and malaria.   

Advice

Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to closely monitor the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to any advice issued by their home governments. Some countries, including the US, the UK, and France continue to advise their citizens to postpone non-essential travel to the country until further notice.