Following widespread protests in Nicaragua that began on April 18, 2018, the Free Enterprise & Democracy Network (FEDN) joined us in calling for the government to cease the disproportionate and senseless violence against peaceful protesters. The FEDN reported that “more than 30 people have been killed, and more than 100 students have been detained.” Additionally, the government took five national television channels off the air to prevent the Nicaraguan people from obtaining information.

The protests began in reaction to changes made to the Social Security System on April 16, which would have reduced benefits and increased taxes. We were glad to receive notice that many detained students were released on April 25, but we are still troubled by reports that they were beaten while in custody and by footage which shows a journalist being shot and killed while reporting. We join the FEDN in calling for President Ortega to establish a process of dialogue with civil society organizations and political parties towards the full restoration of the rule of law and democracy in Nicaragua. Read more in our Democracy Alert here.