Nicaragua Strips Citizenship from 135 Expelled Prisoners

Nicaragua announced on Tuesday that it has revoked the citizenship and seized the property of 135 individuals expelled last week after serving prison sentences. The Supreme Court of Justice stated these individuals were convicted of crimes against the country's sovereignty, independence, and self-determination. They were also accused of promoting violence, hatred, terrorism, and economic destabilisation.

The Nicaraguan government has a history of suppressing dissent, imprisoning opponents of President Daniel Ortega, and shutting down civil society organisations. This latest move follows a similar action last year when 222 political leaders, priests, students, activists, and others were freed and sent to the US. These individuals were later stripped of their citizenship, rendering them stateless, which is against international law.

The released prisoners will temporarily stay in Guatemala before relocating to the US. Although details of the deal remain undisclosed, American authorities have stated that no concessions were made to secure their release. The United States has offered these individuals access to "legal avenues" to qualify for residency.

Human Rights Report

A United Nations group of human rights experts released a report on Tuesday condemning the Nicaraguan government. The report highlighted that the government had left the "Nicaraguan people defenceless against serious human rights violations." It is based on over 1,200 interviews and nearly 5,000 documents detailing crimes against humanity that have gone unpunished.

Jan-Michael Simon, president of the group, noted that these violations include political persecution and stripping of nationality. He criticised the government's "cross-border reach" of repression, which allows for prosecution and expropriation of individuals and organisations calling for sanctions against Nicaragua or committing acts deemed as terrorism.

Impact on Former Prisoners

Without their citizenship and property, former prisoners face significant challenges. Many feel unmoored and struggle to make ends meet. Analysts and activists argue that this release is a tactic by the government to continue harming its opponents while avoiding international criticism.

Eric Jacobstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, mentioned that Washington has made an "expedited refugee procedure" available to the 135 Nicaraguans and their family members still in Nicaragua. This move aims to provide them with a pathway to residency in the US.

Tuesday marked the first public acknowledgment by the Nicaraguan government regarding the release and banishment of these 135 former prisoners. Among them were 13 members of the US church Mountain Gateway, who spent nine months in prison on charges including money laundering. The church has denied these accusations.

Opposition sources indicate that this mass release reduces the number of political prisoners to about 40. This includes 10 individuals who have been imprisoned since before the social protests in 2018.

The report by Jan-Michael Simon also stated, "Nicaragua does not meet even the minimum reasonable standard of judicial independence." He added that ongoing violations are leaving large sections of the population defenceless.

The Nicaraguan government's actions continue to draw international scrutiny as it maintains its stance against dissent. The situation remains tense as former prisoners navigate their new lives without citizenship or property.