Nicaragua Faces Press Crisis as Journalists Disappear Under Government Repression

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A recent report from the Foundation for Freedom of Expression and Democracy (FLED) has revealed a severe crisis for journalists in Nicaragua, where 10 out of the 15 regions have no functioning media personnel. The report highlights that the Ortega and Murillo regime has effectively silenced independent journalism through widespread persecution, which includes harassment, detentions, and the imprisonment of reporters.

In these regions, local journalists, TV anchors, and bloggers are notably absent, leading to the emergence of "news deserts." The report emphasizes that government control over the media has grown, with state-run outlets now dominating 59% of the information landscape. The situation has compelled many journalists to engage in "catacomb journalism," working covertly to avoid detection while documenting human rights violations.

Since 2018, the regime has targeted journalists, leading to 81 documented cases of press freedom violations in 2024 alone. The report notes a pattern of aggression against journalists, including stigmatization, violent raids, and arbitrary arrests. Recently, several high-profile journalists have gone missing or been detained, raising international concerns.

FLED also reported that many journalists have ceased their activities in favor of alternative employment to safeguard their families, attributing this trend to economic instability and increasing threats. The report underscores the deteriorating state of freedom of expression in Nicaragua, as self-censorship becomes a survival strategy for those still attempting to report the news.

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