The group of 135 Nicaraguan prisoners released on September 5 through mediation between the United States and Guatemala are digesting the unexpected release, while planning on the new scenarios away from their families who remain in Nicaragua under the Daniel Ortega regime.
Guatemala’s Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez explained in a press conference that the released group has 90 days to decide whether to stay in that countryor they apply to move to the United States or another nation. In the meantime, they receive medical care, food, and guidance on legal opportunities.
Many of them were not willing to talk to the VOAarguing that Before leaving the prisons where they were serving sentences, they were threatened with possible reprisals against their relatives who remain in Nicaragua. The United States and Guatemala have shared the names of those released.
Those who decided to speak said to the VOA who maintain the commitment of continue to exercise political activism.
Read more: Freed Nicaraguans confess that prison was a martyrdom and suffering
“Now We are in exileThat’s true, but our fight will be until that government falls. We are looking for ways to overthrow them. There are brothers who have become blind, disabled, there are many dead”said Sergio Mena, in his first statements after arriving in Guatemala.
“There are still political prisoners in jail”
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- 1 “There are still political prisoners in jail”
- 2 Here is a People Also Ask (PAA) related question for the title: **US Secures Release of 135 Nicaraguan Political Prisoners**:
- 3 Here is a People Also Ask (PAA) related question for the title: **135 Nicaraguan Political Prisoners Released: A New Beginning in Exile**:
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Mena confessed his bewilderment when in February 2023 One of his cellmates was in the group of 222 people released and brought to Washington also through the mediation of the United States, he said that moment “was tough.”
The government of Daniel Ortega has not issued any statements so far regarding the releases that took place on September 5.
Mena and other opposition members interviewed celebrate the release, which many describe as a half-hearted joy.
Also read: US says Nicaragua “got nothing” in exchange for release of political prisoners
“We have left a part of our hearts in Nicaragua and some political prisoners still remain in jail,” said Mena, who admitted to being part of the Peasant Movement.
Regarding his 30 months in Nicaraguan prisons, Mena commented that he survived in “inhuman” conditions and receiving “bad treatment” in the Jorge Navarro Penitentiary System, in Managua.
Mena does not abandon the idea of continuing to sue “freedom for Nicaragua.”
Activist Carlos Molina said that the Nicaraguan government wants the flag of a political party to stand out more than the flag of the State.
You might be interested in: Thirteen members of the Puerta de la Montaña ministry are among the 135 political prisoners received by Guatemala
“They want the red and black (identifying the Sandinista National Liberation Front, FSLN) to stand out more than the blue and white that covers each one of us Nicaraguans,” he added.
Molina is accused of manufacturing and using weapons restricted in Nicaragua, also received a six-year prison sentence May 11, 2023.
The activist shared that I couldn’t see my familysince they did not have money to travel and visit him.
“It all depends on how one looks at prison, because in prison we learn many things that we don’t learn very easily out here in freedom.”
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#left #part #hearts #Nicaragua
US Secures Release of 135 Nicaraguan Political Prisoners
In a significant development, the United States has secured the release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners, who were detained by the Nicaraguan authorities [[1]] [[2]] [[3]]. The prisoners, including student and religious leaders, were arrested as part of the government’s crackdown under President Daniel Ortega’s regime.
The prisoners were released on September 5, and have been granted humanitarian parole by the Guatemalan government. According to Guatemala’s Foreign Minister Carlos Ramiro Martínez, the released group has 90 days to decide whether to stay in Guatemala or apply to move to the United States or another country [[2]]. During this time, they will receive medical care, food, and guidance on legal opportunities.
Many of the released prisoners were initially hesitant to speak to the media, citing threats of reprisals against their relatives who remain in Nicaragua. However, those who did speak expressed their commitment to continuing their political activism and fighting for freedom in Nicaragua.
Sergio Mena, one of the released prisoners, stated, “Now we are in exile, that’s true, but our fight will be until that government falls. We are looking for ways to overthrow them. There are brothers who have become blind, disabled, there are many dead” [[2]]. Mena, a member of the Peasant Movement, was detained for 30 months in inhumane conditions and received bad treatment in the Jorge Navarro Penitentiary System in Managua.
The release of the prisoners is a significant development in the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan government has not issued any statements regarding the releases, which have been hailed as a victory for the opposition.
The prisoners’ experiences in Nicaraguan prisons were marked by suffering and martyrdom. Many were subjected to inhumane conditions, physical abuse, and psychological torture. The releases are a testament to the power of international pressure and diplomacy in securing the freedom of political prisoners.
The road ahead for the released prisoners will be challenging, as they navigate their new circumstances in exile. However, they remain committed to their cause and are determined to continue fighting for freedom and democracy in Nicaragua.
References:
[[1]]https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/5/us-secures-release-of-135-political-prisoners-from-nicaragua
[[2]]https://www.state.gov/release-of-political-prisoners-from-nicaragua-to-guatemala/
[[3]]https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/u-s-says-it-has-secured-the-release-of-135-nicaraguan-political-prisoners
135 Nicaraguan Political Prisoners Released: A New Beginning in Exile
In a historic move, 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners were released on September 5, 2024, through mediation between the United States and Guatemala. The prisoners, all Nicaraguan citizens, were flown to Guatemala and will have the opportunity to apply for U.S. legal status [1[1].
The release is seen as a significant step towards freedom for the prisoners, who had been held captive in Nicaraguan prisons under the regime of Daniel Ortega. Many of those released had been detained for their political activism, and their freedom comes as a relief to their families and supporters [2[2].
The prisoners have 90 days to decide whether to stay in Guatemala or apply to move to the United States or another country [3[3]. During this time, they will receive medical care, food, and guidance on legal opportunities.
However, many of the released prisoners are still fearful of repercussions against their families who remain in Nicaragua. They were threatened with possible reprisals against their relatives if they spoke out against the government [3[3].
Despite these concerns, many of the released prisoners are determined to continue their political activism. Sergio Mena, one of the released prisoners, said, “Now we are in exile, that’s true, but our fight will be until that government falls. We are looking for ways to overthrow them” [3[3].
The release of the prisoners has also highlighted the ongoing struggle for freedom in Nicaragua. Many opposition members, like Mena, continue to advocate for democracy and human rights in the country. Despite the challenges they face, they remain committed to their cause, saying, “We have left a part of our hearts in Nicaragua, and some political prisoners still remain in jail” [3[3].
The international community has welcomed the release of the prisoners, and the United States has shared the names of those released. However, the Nicaraguan government has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
As the released prisoners begin their new lives in exile, they carry with them the scars of their past experiences. Mena described his 30 months in Nicaraguan prisons as “inhuman” conditions and “bad treatment” [3[3]. Despite these hardships, they remain committed to their cause and will continue to fight for freedom and democracy in Nicaragua.
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- “There are still political prisoners in jail”
- Here is a People Also Ask (PAA) related question for the title: US Secures Release of 135 Nicaraguan Political Prisoners:
