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Climate of Fear Grows in Nicaragua as Government Clamps Down on Protesters

by Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA --

   The U.N. Human Rights office is accusing Nicaragua of extreme violence
   against peaceful protestors resulting in many deaths, injuries and
   gross violations of human rights.

   During the past three months, the U.N. Human Rights Office estimates
   280 people have been killed, including 19 police officers, and 1,830
   injured during protests against Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's
   government.

   It says the state and pro-government armed groups are to blame for the
   overwhelming number of deaths and injuries. Human Rights spokesman
   Rupert Colville says the violence is all the more horrific because it
   is being done with the tacit support of the police and other government
   authorities.

   "U.N. human rights office staff on the ground report that a wide range
   of human rights violations are being committed, including extrajudicial
   killings, torture, arbitrary detentions, and denying people the right
   to freedom of expression. There has been incitement to hatred and smear
   campaigns, including against human rights defenders," he said.

   Colville says two human rights defenders, Medardo Maireno and Pedro
   Mena, were recently detained by police and are unaccounted for. He says
   it is feared they could be victims of enforced disappearance. He is
   calling on Nicaraguan authorities to provide immediate information on
   their whereabouts.

   "We are observing an emerging and disturbing practice of human rights
   defenders and people who have merely taken part in protests being
   criminalized," he said. " And, the backdrop for all these violations is
   the absence of rule of law and due process."

   Nicaraguans mark Liberation Day on Thursday in observance of the
   overthrow of the dictatorial Anastasio Somoza regime in 1979 by the
   Sandanistas. President Ortega was a leader of the revolutionary group.

   Colville says there is a growing sense of dread that violence will
   escalate in the lead-up to the anniversary, with more loss of life and
   a further erosion of the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful
   assembly.