Nicaragua: new arrest of a political opponent three months before the presidential election

Nicaraguan police officers.

(Illustration) AFP - ORLANDO SIERRA

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Political scientist José Peraza was arrested Monday evening in Nicaragua.

This arrest brings to 29 the number of opponents arrested in the country almost three months before the presidential election.

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In Nicaragua, the arrests of opponents continue.

Political scientist José Peraza was arrested Monday evening and is accused of " 

undermining independence and sovereignty,

 " Nicaraguan police said.

An unprecedented charge, which is based on a set of laws recently passed by a Parliament acquired by the Nicaraguan president.

In total,

29 opponents were arrested.

The political scientist is a member of the board of directors of an opposition formation (UNAB), made up of civil society organizations participating in the 2018 anti-government protests that left 328 dead, according to human rights organizations.

This wave of arrests within the Nicaraguan opposition provokes a national and international outcry.

President Ortega

is accused of wanting to prevent any competition for the next elections to be held on November 7 because in the country, a person who is under investigation or arrest cannot stand for an election .

Currently,

seven candidates have been arrested

 : Cristiana Chamorro - daughter of a former president who had already beaten Daniel Ortega at the ballot box and her most serious opponent -, Arturo Cruz, Felix Maradiaga, Juan Sebastián Chamorro, Miguel Mora, Medardo Mairena and Noel Vidaurre.

The official submission of applications will take place from July 28 to August 2.

For his part, the Head of State assures us that these personalities are “ 

criminals 

” who seek to overthrow him with

financial assistance from the United States

.

(and with

AFP

)

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  • Nicaragua

  • Daniel ortega