United States Government has received 222 individuals who had been held for years in prison by the Government of Nicaragua, at the Dulles International Airport on Thursday.
According to the States Department Spokesman, Ned Price at the Press Briefing on Thursday, said these individuals which includes students, journalists, and political activists, detained for exercising fundamental freedoms and have endured lengthy unjust detentions.
Price explained that Government of Nicaragua decided to release these individuals, while the United States Government decided to receive them on humanitarian grounds.
“Everyone who left the country voluntarily consented to travel. The individuals released have access to medical and legal assistance, and we continue to look for ways to support them as needed”.
He said further that all individuals entering the United States were screened and vetted by the Customs and Border Protection, as is standard for those receiving humanitarian parole.
The Spokesman noted that US welcome the opportunity to offer this humanitarian protection to these political prisoners.
“The release of these individuals by the Government of Nicaragua marks a constructive step towards addressing the human rights abuses in that country. This action opens the door to discussion of other matters of mutual concern.
“The United States remains committed to a dialogue with the Government of Nicaragua on these and other matters, and we’ll continue to support the Nicaraguan people”, he said.
Reacting to this development, Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said the release of these individuals, is the product of concerted American diplomacy, adding that United States will continue to support the Nicaraguan people.
According to him, “The individuals released from Nicaraguan custody include political and business leaders, journalists, civil society representatives, and students.
“Upon the release of these individuals from Nicaragua, the United States facilitated their safe transport to Dulles International Airport. The individuals arrived today, and the United States is providing medical and legal support to ease their arrival”, he said.