US Secures Release of 135 Political Prisoners in Nicaragua

The United States has successfully negotiated the release of 135 political prisoners in Nicaragua, including 13 members of the Texas-based evangelical organization Mountain Gateway, after months of discussions. These individuals, deemed 'unjustly detained' by the Biden administration, were flown to Guatemala, where they can apply for legal status in the U.S. or other countries. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that no one should be imprisoned for peacefully exercising their rights. The crackdown on dissent in Nicaragua, led by President Daniel Ortega, has intensified since 2018, resulting in the closure of over 5,000 civic organizations and targeting of religious groups. The U.S. administration continues to call for an end to arbitrary arrests in Nicaragua, with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo's support highlighted during the announcement. This operation marks the second significant release of Nicaraguan political prisoners under the Biden administration, which previously facilitated the exit of over 200 individuals last year.