What specific policy changes were enacted in Nicaragua to strip citizenship from hundreds of individuals days after a prisoner release?
After the recent release of around 100 political prisoners in Nicaragua, the death toll has grown to over 320 from an ongoing civil uprising since April. Now, President Daniel Ortega has decreed that hundreds of those released must have their Nicaraguan citizenship stripped and are barred from ever returning.
Targeting of Former Political Prisoners
The recent decree which strips more than 400 former political prisoners of their Nicaraguan citizenship, severely limits their basic human rights and access to international travel and humanitarian aid. This decision was made just days after the Montenegro government initially released around 100 political prisoners in what was seen as a gesture of reconciliation.
Injustice and Human Rights Violations
In addition to the stripping of citizenship, hundreds of those released following the April uprising have been subjected to various forms of injustice and human rights violations. Most recently, the United Nations high commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, requested urgent action to “redress the injustice” that had been inflicted on the former prisoners and their families.
Flouting of International Law
The move by the Nicaraguan government to strip citizenship from former political prisoners is a deliberate violation of international law and a clear indication of their unwillingness to make any meaningful gestures of reconciliation. The actions of the government are likely to further alienate them from the international community and potentially subject more Nicaraguans to further human rights violations.
Effects of Citizenship Stripping
The implications of the Nicaraguan government’s decision to strip citizenship from these former political prisoners are significant and could have long-term effects. Without citizenship, these individuals are unable to seek assistance from their own government and are subject to potential deportation if they try to seek assistance from another country. Furthermore, their families may also feel the effects of their citizenship being stripped, as they could be denied access to vital services such as education and medical care.
Conclusion
The recent move by the Nicaraguan government to strip citizenship from former political prisoners is a serious violation of international law and a clear indication of the government’s reliance on repression to fight the uprising. The denial of access to basic rights, lack of meaningful attempts at reconciliation and the potential impact on their families, all further emphasize the injustice of this decision. It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to this serious violation of human rights.
Nicaraguan officials announced recently that hundreds of citizens had had their nationality revoked following their release from prison camps. According to a report from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), the Nicaraguan government has stripped citizens of their nationality as retaliation for taking part in protests against President Daniel Ortega. This has had a significant impact on those affected, as it has left many unable to access essential social services such as healthcare and education.
The government’s revoking of citizenships began in 2019, when the Ortega regime began cracking down on protestors. Those who were identified as having taken part in the movement were arrested, detained and even subjected to torture before being sent to prison camps. Now, hundreds of those who were released from the camps have found their nationalities revoked, according to the report.
The IACHR report also noted that this action is a violation of international law and contravenes basic principles of international human rights. It has expressed its deepest concern over the situation and has called on the government to restore these individuals’ citizenship rights. Furthermore, it has warned that if the government does not take action, it will consider initiating an investigation into the matter.
This revoking of citizenship has had a profound effect on those affected. It has prevented them from accessing essential social services, such as healthcare and education, and has put them at a major disadvantage in terms of job opportunities. This action not only punishes individuals who have peacefully protested against the regime but also affects their families, who are now living in a state of uncertainty.
The Nicaraguan government’s revoking of citizenship from hundreds of individuals as a form of punishment is a worrying development. It is a clear violation of international law and human rights and has had a significant impact on those affected. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has urged the government to restore these individuals’ citizenship rights and has warned of further action if they do not take action.
