Ex-Political Prisoners Denounce Human Rights Crisis on Expulsion Anniversary

The group of 222 exiled Nicaraguan political prisoners who were released and expatriated on February 9, 2023 gathered in Washington DC to commemorate the second anniversary of their release and denounce the continuing human rights crisis in Nicaragua.

In a joint statement, the former prisoners warned of the “extremely fragile” situation they face after their exile. More than 35 people who are 60 years old and older suffer from serious health problems and lack family support networks, hindering their social and labor integration in the United States.

The group maintained that they continue to be politically persecuted for opposing the dictatorship, which they call “an enemy of humanity.” They also expressed concern for the more than 30 denationalized Nicaraguans still in Guatemala who are part of a group of 135 political prisoners expatriated in September 2024.

Among the main demands of the released and denationalized prisoners are: 

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• The immediate release of political prisoners held in Nicaragua.
• Respect for fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and religion.
• International legal action at the International Court of Justice against the Nicaraguan regime for the massive denationalization of its own citizens.

The statement places special emphasis on solidarity with the Catholic Church and protestant pastors who, they denounce, have been subjected to “merciless persecution.”

The signatories also paid tribute to Michael Healey Lacayo, one of the group of 222, who died in January 2024. They described him as an “entrepreneur committed to the homeland,” whose example, they say, inspires them to “never give up.”

The document, signed in Washington DC on February 8, 2025, reaffirms the group's commitment to the struggle for the return of democracy to Nicaragua. “Together, we will get to the end of the dictatorship,” it concludes. “The road to freedom is already mapped out.” 

This article was originally published in Spanish by Confidencial and translated by our staff. To get the most relevant news from our English coverage delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to The Dispatch.