15 Apr 2019 | 09:10 PM UTC
Nicaragua: Opposition demonstration planned in Managua April 17 /update 4
Opposition demonstration planned in Managua April 17; heightened security measures and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out
Event
The National Blue and White Unity (UNAB) opposition coalition has announced it will hold a demonstration in Managua on Wednesday, April 17. Participants are expected to march from the Centroamérica roundabout to the Alexis Argüello Monument beginning at 14:00 (local time).
Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected around all protest sites. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
The upcoming April 17 demonstration comes ahead of the one-year anniversary of the start of protests against President Daniel Ortega's administration.
Nicaragua has experienced periods of unrest since April 18, 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 Managua are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid any public gatherings due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.
