Nicaragua: Deadly anti-government protests enter seventh month /update 51

Event

Hundreds of protesters have been killed in Nicaragua since April 18 as demonstrations denouncing the government of President Daniel Ortega enter their seventh month. Human rights groups have made varying estimates regarding the total number of anti-government protesters killed by security forces, with most claiming that between 325 and 528 have been killed since the protests began. Moreover, more than 4000 have reportedly been wounded and over 1000 have disappeared; tens of thousands others have fled the country.

While the frequency and intensity of protests has subsided somewhat, additional anti-government demonstrations and clashes between demonstrators and police are to be expected over the coming weeks and months.

Context

Nicaragua has experienced widespread unrest 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 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 nationals to postpone nonessential travel to the country until further notice.