President Daniel’s Ortega’s repression of the political opposition is aimed at ensuring his prolonged stay in power. However, his crackdown on the opposition has drawn the ire of the international community. This article is published in PBS. Here is an excerpt:

International criticism of Nicaragua’s government grew on Tuesday after another night of arrests in Managua. Fifty-nine countries at the United Nations Human Rights Council signed onto a statement expressing concern over arbitrary arrests and the restriction of fundamental rights.

“The government must ensure the protection of human rights and bring to account those responsible,” the statement said.

Also Tuesday, the international organization Human Rights Watch released a report detailing the politically motivated arrests in recent weeks of nearly 20 potential political candidates, prominent businessmen, former government officials and political leaders.

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