Nicaragua released 135 political prisoners on humanitarian grounds. Following the release, Guatemala welcomed the former prisoners thanks to the mediation of the United States.
After the measure was executed, the former detainees arrived “on a single flight” to La Aurora airport in Guatemala City, where they celebrated their freedom with enthusiasm. “Thank God I am free, long live free Nicaragua,” declared Francisco Arteaga, who was criticized for criticizing the Nicaraguan government on social media.
The White House previously announced the release, which included members of the evangelical organization Mountain Gateway, Catholic laypeople, students and others whom the Ortega regime called a “threat.”
Less than two months before the US elections, Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, described the release as “for humanitarian reasons.”
In his statements, Eric Jacobstein of the U.S. State Department stressed that the Nicaraguan regime “obtained nothing” in exchange for the release and that it was the result of public and private pressure from Washington.
Meanwhile, Bernardo Arévalo, President of Guatemala, welcomed those released on social media.
In addition to entering Guatemala, former detainees will be able to request asylum in the US or other countries through the Office of Safe Mobility, an initiative of the Joe Biden administration to facilitate legal migration.
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2024-09-11 08:03:15