The Nicaraguan government released on Monday 50 opponents arrested for participating in the protests against President Daniel Ortega, following the approval of a controversial amnesty law that also protects those responsible for the repression of protesters.
The Ministry of the Interior reported that, in compliance with the new norm that came into force this Monday, it
released 50 people for crimes against common security and public tranquility, and continues to prepare the release of prisoners for these crimes.”
The arrival of the prisoners to their homes caused emotional scenes with tears, hugs, and rejoicing among relatives and neighbors who were taken by surprise when their loved ones appeared without warning in the early hours of Monday, led by officials of the Penitentiary System and carrying a Act in which it reads: “has been released by the Amnesty Law.”
The beneficiaries of the liberation had been imprisoned for participating in the protests that broke out on April 18th, 2018 against Ortega, whose repression left at least 325 dead, hundreds of incarcerated and 62,500 exiled, according to humanitarian agencies.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said in a statement that it was present during the liberation in the early hours of the morning and reiterated “its willingness to facilitate the release” of the remaining persons deprived of their liberty.
The release comes after the approval on Saturday by the parliament, of an official majority, of the questioned law, which
grants pardon to all the people who have participated in the events that occurred throughout the national territory from April 2018 until the date.”
The opposition, human rights organizations, and relatives of the victims reject the new legislation because it prevents those responsible for the death or repression of their relatives from being judged.