In response to the decree by Nicaragua’s National Assembly cancelling the legal registration of the Nicaraguan Centre for Human Rights (CENIDH) today, Erika Guevara Rosas, Americas director at Amnesty International, said:
“Attacking the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH) and cancelling its legal registration, is another repressive maneuver by President Daniel Ortega to try to cover up the serious human rights violations that his government has committed. Those who denounce the atrocities committed by his government are being punished in Nicaragua. President Ortega is wrong if he believes he will be able to evade justice by trying to silence CENIDH.”
“It’s extremely alarming that organizations with the trajectory and legitimacy of CENIDH are being persecuted. By cancelling their registration, the government leaves the people of Nicaragua defenseless, preventing organizations from representing victims or fighting for their demands for justice and accountability. Today is a very sad day for the defence of human rights in the region.”
More information:
Nicaragua: Authorities stepped up strategy for repression, committing grave human rights violations during ‘clean-up operation’ (News, 18 October 2018)
Instilling terror: From lethal force to persecution in Nicaragua (Research, 18 October 2018)
Nicaragua: Instilling terror: from lethal force to persecution in Nicaragua
Nicaragua: In its attempt to avoid international scrutiny, government makes apparent its responsibility for human rights violations (News, 31 August 2018)
Shoot to kill: Nicaragua’s strategy to repress protest (Report, 29 May 2018)
Nicaragua: Shoot to kill: Nicaragua’s strategy to repress protest
For more information or to request an interview please contact: Lucy Scholey, Amnesty International Canada (English): +1 613-744-7667 ext. 236; lscholey@amnesty.ca
