Urgent Action: Wave of detentions of students and activists in Nicaragua

Detention of student leaders and other social activists have increased in Nicaragua as the government persists in its strategy of persecution and criminalisation as a punishment against those taking part in nationwide protests.

The Nicaragua government’s persecution and criminalization strategy to clamp down those participating in the ongoing protests throughout the country deepened this week, with dozens of new detentions, including those of Amaya Coppens (23), a Nicaraguan-Belgian medical student leader, detained with Sergio Midence (30) in the city of Leon (Northwest) on 10 September. The police alleged in media outputs that they are responsible for acts of “terrorism”, “arson”, “assaults” and “illegal possession of firearms”, amongst other accusations. They have not yet been formally presented before a court.

These detainees join the more than 400 social leaders and activists counted, by local and international civil society organizations, as arrested in the context of social protests. Campesinos, feminists, students, merchants as well as other people have joined the protests without affiliation or activism.

Please write immediately in Spanish or your own language:

◼ Calling for the immediate release of all student leaders, activists or other protestors detained solely on the grounds of the peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of expression and assembly;

◼ Demanding respect of due process rights of all student leaders, activists or other protestors detained, including their timely presentation in courts, and ensuring access to their families and lawyers of their choosing;

◼ Calling on the authorities for an immediate halt of the strategy of persecution, detention and criminalization of students and other activists exercising their legitimate right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

 

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 29 OCTOBER 2018 TO:

President of the Republic of Nicaragua

Daniel Ortega Saavedra

Presidencia de la República.

Frente a Palacio Nacional, calle 4

Noroeste

Managua, Nicaragua, 11001

Fax: +505 2228 9090

Twitter: @EPP_Nicaragua

@DanielOrtega_Ni

Salutation: Dear Mr. President /

Estimado Señor Presidente

Director of National Police

Francisco Javier Díaz Madriz

Centro Comercial Metrocentro, 2

cuadras al Este. Edificio Faustino Ruiz

Policía Nacional (Plaza el Sol)

Managua, Nicaragua.

Email: relacionespublicas@policia.gob.ni

seguridadpublica@policia.gob.ni

Salutation: Dear Mr. Director /

Estimado Señor Director

 

With copies to:

Amnesty International Central America

team

Email: equipoca@amnesty.org

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country: 

Her Excellency Guisell Morales-Echaverry

Embassy of Nicaragua

Suite 31 Vicarage House 58-60

Kensington Church Street 

W8 4DB

020 7938 2373

Fax 020 7937 0952,

embaniclondon@btconnect.com

 

Please check with your section office if sending appeals after the above date.