Nicaragua: Authorities deny permits for December 10 human rights march /update 54

Event

Authorities denied a request by the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (Cenidh) to hold a march in Managua planned for Monday, December 10. Police denied the request on the basis that Cenidh did not have a legal board of directors. A large public demonstration is unlikely, but smaller mobilizations or gatherings cannot be ruled out. Arrests and clashes with police are possible in the event of any public demonstration.

Context

Cenidh hosts an annual march on December 10 to celebrate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On September 28, the Nicaraguan government declared all anti-government marches as illegal and has rejected applications for permission to hold other human rights-related demonstrations and marches.

Nicaragua has experienced widespread unrest since April 2018 amid calls for President Ortega to step down. The movement has led to frequent protests, deadly clashes, and other violence. Activists accuse the government and pro-government militias of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, using weapons of war against protesters, kidnappings, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, raiding homes without a warrant, and attacking the press.

Advice

Individuals in Nicaragua, particularly Managua, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid any public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home government, and anticipate localized transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence. Individuals in Nicaragua are also advised to refrain from discussing political topics in public.