Nicaragua: Constant calls for anti-government protests despite bans /update 1

Event

Government opposition groups have regularly launched calls for anti-government protests across the country due to their opposition of President Daniel Ortega. Ortega has prohibited anti-government protests for over one year, though many groups still schedule these gatherings. In a recent protest on Saturday, September 21, clashes between protesters and police were reported, with police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.

The French Foreign Ministry has issued a reminder that foreigners present in Nicaragua are forbidden from participating in protests.

Context

Nicaragua has experienced periods of unrest since April 18, 2018, amid calls for President Daniel 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 are advised to monitor the situation for potential gatherings and protests, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate localized disruption and a heightened security presence in the event of any demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.