The Nicaraguan government administration, led by President Daniel Ortega, has closed 169 non-governmental organizations (NGOs), including the child protection entity, “Save the Children,” in a new blow against civil society in the country.
According to a resolution issued by the Ministry of the Interior, it was detailed that among the closed entities are approximately 90 churches and evangelical associations, around 40 cattle ranchers’ associations, a Catholic organization, a group of retired academics and the Foundation against Cancer and AIDS.
The authorities argued that the closure was due to “non-compliance with the law”. According to current legislation, the assets of these organisations are to be transferred to the state.
On August 22, a new law came into effect, requiring churches to pay taxes and restricting their work to forming “partnership alliances” with state entities.
With this measure, the total number of NGOs closed during Ortega’s term rose to almost 5,500.
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2024-09-02 11:13:32