Families Divided: Nicaraguans Face Heartbreaking Christmas Separations Due to Political Repression

NINicaragua|

As Christmas approaches, Nicaraguan families are grappling with the emotional toll of separation caused by a regime that has led to an unprecedented exodus. Since 2018, over 900,000 Nicaraguans have left the country, fleeing political persecution and economic crises. In a nation of just over six million residents, nearly every family is affected, as many have loved ones who are in exile or missing.

Recent legislative changes have intensified these separations. The Sandinista government led by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo recently reformed the Immigration and Foreigners Law, effectively criminalizing the ability of residents to leave Nicaragua. This move has left families fearful of imprisonment and restricted in their reunification plans.

One family, whose relative is living in exile in Costa Rica, was forced to abandon their Christmas trip due to the new reforms. The family had made plans to secretly reunite, but the regime's tightening grip and the threat of heavy penalties deterred them.

The case of Azucena Bracamonte Valle, a nun who was denied entry back to Nicaragua while trying to visit her family after years in Rome, further underscores the government's harsh policies. Bracamonte was barred from return under accusations of "treason," indicative of the regime's intolerance towards dissent and opposition.

Opposition groups like the Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense have started campaigns to raise awareness of the plight faced by many Nicaraguans during this festive season, emphasizing the emotional scars left by enforced separations. They highlight a significant decline in holiday gatherings due to the ongoing repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime.

As families reflect on their losses this holiday season, many are calling for change, with leaders urging a focus on building a future for Nicaragua rooted in reunion and hope. However, the government maintains a contrasting narrative, presenting a message of peace and unity that many dissenters view as disingenuous.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Nicaragua

Nicaraguan Priests Face Crackdown Amidst Religious Freedom Violations

A report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reveals that the Nicaraguan government is intensifying its control over the Catholic Church, imposing restrictions on religious practices and surveilling clergy. The Sandinista government has reportedly deployed undercover police to monitor sermons and restrict priests' movements, according to an unnamed parish priest who spoke to EL PAÍS. Father Fabricio, who has received warnings from the regime led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, described feeling “emasculated” as he navigates the dangers of speaking freely during Holy Week celebrations. He cited incidents where priests were warned against holding traditional processions and moderated messages from the pulpit for fear of imprisonment or exile. CSW documented 222 violations of religious freedom in Nicaragua, including the arrests of various religious leaders. The United Nations has also corroborated reports of state-sponsored harassment of religious communities, highlighting a broader strategy of surveillance and control utilized by the Ortega-Murillo regime. In a troubling trend, tax exemptions for religious institutions have been revoked, exacerbating the financial strain on the Catholic Church.
NINicaragua

Christmas Highlighted by Family Separation Crisis in Nicaragua

More than 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country since 2018 due to political persecution and an economic crisis, leading to profound emotional distress during the holiday season, according to opposition groups. The Sandinista government’s recent amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Law have intensified these separations by making it illegal for citizens and residents to leave or return to Nicaragua without severe penalties, including prison sentences. One family, whose member sought refuge in Costa Rica, had to cancel their planned Christmas reunion due to fears of retribution and government surveillance. Azucena Bracamonte Valle, after five years in exile, was recently denied entry into Nicaragua for alleged "treason" while in Mexico. As families face ongoing turmoil, opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde stated, "Nicaragua is suffering the largest exodus in its history." The repeated trauma of family separation is echoed across the nation, where nearly every family has lost a member to exile. In stark contrast, Rosario Murillo, co-president of Nicaragua, recently portrayed a harmonious holiday season, prompting criticism from exiled families, who argue that the regime continues to destroy familial ties.
NINicaragua

Christmas Tragedy: Nicaraguans Face Separation Amid Political Crisis

Christmas this year is filled with sorrow for many Nicaraguans, as over 900,000 people have fled the country since 2018 due to political persecution and economic turmoil. The recent reform of the Immigration and Foreigners Law by the Ortega-Murillo regime has intensified family separations, making it difficult for loved ones to reunite during the holidays. According to relatives of exiles, plans to visit family members in Costa Rica were abruptly canceled due to fears of imprisonment or being barred from re-entering Nicaragua. One anonymous family member shared their anguish, highlighting the emotional toll of such separations. The opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde has stated that "Nicaragua is suffering the largest exodus in its history," a sentiment echoed by exiles like María Laura Alvarado who lament the absence of family gatherings during a season traditionally associated with unity and celebration. The Sandinista leadership, however, continues to promote a narrative of stability and joy during the holidays, as articulated by co-president Rosario Murillo. The stark contrast between government claims and the realities faced by Nicaraguan families underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.
NINicaragua
All Nicaragua News ->