US secures release of 135 political prisoners detained in Nicaragua

The United States has secured the release on humanitarian grounds of 135 political prisoners unjustly detained by Nicaraguan authorities.

Secretary of States, Antony Blinken who disclosed in a statement on Thursday said these individuals safely, voluntarily arrived in Guatemala while applauded the President, Bernardo Arévalo and his administration for their efforts, support in welcoming them.

Blinken made further revelation that these freed Nicaraguan citizens, will now have the opportunity to apply for lawful pathways to resettle to the United States or elsewhere and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
He said, “Those released include human rights defenders, Catholic laypeople, and 13 individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway, a Texas-based religious organization. 

Adding that, “Nicaraguan authorities unjustly detained these individuals for exercising their fundamental freedoms of expression, of association and peaceful assembly, and of religion or belief. 

“All of them must now undertake the tremendous challenge of establishing their lives in a new country.
“Daniel Ortega, Rosario Murillo, and associates continue to violate human rights, stifle legitimate dissent, jail opponents, seize their property, and prevent citizens from reentering their home country”, he said.

The United States urged the immediate and unconditional release of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Nicaragua. 

“The Nicaraguan people want and deserve a restored democracy where all can exercise their human rights, fundamental freedoms, free from fear of persecution or reprisal.  We continue to support their aspirations for such a future”, the Secretary said.

According to Joint statement of United States and Guatemala revealed that among the released are religious leaders, laypeople, and human rights defenders. “Their arrival in Guatemala follows months of negotiations between the United States and Nicaragua”.

It stated that this joint U.S.-Guatemalan effort brings to an end some of the suffering of the released prisoners while facilitated the voluntary transportation of these individuals from Nicaragua to Guatemala, where they will have the opportunity to apply for lawful pathways to reclaim their lives.

Also, in collaboration with Guatemalan authorities, the United States and its humanitarian partners will temporarily provide the individuals with food, lodging, medical assistance, including psychological support, to help them recover and begin the difficult work of rebuilding their lives.

Both nations reaffirmed the rights of all persons to enjoy human rights, fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief and to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

“We underscore that a threat to democracy anywhere is threat to democracy everywhere. Everyone has the responsibility to protect those who defend democracy and human rights across the world”.

The United States Government and Guatemala vowed to continue to stand in solidarity with the Nicaraguan people and all who peacefully seek to have their voices heard.