On February 9, 2023, the United States received 222 political prisoners released by Nicaragua, a group that included human rights defenders, Nicaraguan presidential contenders, political activists, clergy, journalists, students, and members of civil society organizations and business groups.
Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo subsequently moved to strip the former political prisoners of their Nicaraguan citizenship in absentia. One year later, Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo continue to unjustly detain or force into exile those who wish to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms in Nicaragua.
The United States joins the international community in condemning such efforts to silence the voices of the Nicaraguan people, and we renew our calls for the Nicaraguan authorities to restore the full enjoyment of civil and political rights by all Nicaraguans.
