Nicaragua: Protests planned in and near Managua October 26 /update 2

Event

Th Association of Mothers and Family Members of the Political Prisoners has scheduled a protest in Managua for Saturday, October 26, to demand the release of 139 political prisoners recently arrested in anti-government protests. Participants are expected to conduct a sit-in at the Jorge Navarro Penitentiary System of Tipitapa. In addition, the Association announced it would hold a simultaneous protest at the Movistar building, as well as surprise protests in other parts of the country.

Associated localized transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected in the vicinity of all protests. Clashes cannot be ruled out.

Context

Nicaragua has experienced periods of unrest since April 18, 2018, amid calls for President Daniel Ortega to step down. Ortega has prohibited protests for over one year, though many groups still schedule anti-government demonstrations. 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.