Nicaragua

No one has seen or heard from freelance journalist and feminist activist Fabiola Tercero Castro since 12 July 2024, when she reported a raid on her home by government agents under the command of Commissioner Lidia Baltodano.

“Nicaragua’s release of journalist Víctor Ticay brings us relief, but he should have never been imprisoned, as he was simply doing his job as a journalist” – CPJ

The report documents increasing violations of freedom of expression and press, as well as a rise in attacks against journalists, activists, media outlets, students, clergy, artists, and political opponents, among other actors.

PEN International condemns the growing wave of repression against journalists in Nicaragua, highlighting the concerning rise in attacks and threats amidst a worsening human rights crisis.

The disappearance of a journalist in Nicaragua highlights the siege imposed by Ortega’s government and the critical situation facing independent journalism in the country.

The report focuses on the events that have taken place since 2018, a year in which huge public protests and demonstrations took place, followed in turn by a strong governmental reaction.

Freedom of expression organisations demand the immediate release of the Ticay and the suspension of the recent constitutional reforms linked to the crime of “treason”, which can be used against critics or opponents of the regime.

Nicaraguan authorities never should have detained journalist Victor Ticay in the first place. By accusing him of crimes that carry harsh prison sentences, authorities are showing how little regard they have for press freedom.

“The Nicaraguan government has once again shown little respect for the right to freedom of expression amid an absurd climate of total censorship, which extends even to religious activities.”

International monitoring is key due to repression, lack of judicial independence.

Mendoza was among 222 political prisoners unexpectedly released by Nicaraguan authorities and deported to the US. All of the group, which included ‘La Prensa’ publisher Juan Lorenzo Holmann Chamorro and five other journalists and media workers who asked not to be named to protect the safety of their families, were stripped of their Nicaraguan citizenship.

Along with other journalists and media workers, Holmann was among the 222 political prisoners unexpectedly released and deported by Nicaraguan authorities on February 9. He spoke to CPJ about his experience in prison, and commitment to freedom of expression.

“It is alarming that, in addition to having confiscated and stripped the assets of a private company, the regime now has the gall to use the media’s assets for propaganda purposes.”

The attack against the international network comes on the heels of other incidents against the press in Nicaragua.