Nicaraguan Families Face Heartbreak This Christmas Amid Political Persecution

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As Christmas approaches, families in Nicaragua continue to grapple with the trauma of separation due to political persecution, with over 900,000 citizens having fled since 2018. Many families, like that of a man known only as Marcos, had hoped to reunite in Costa Rica for the holidays. Their plans were abruptly halted by a controversial immigration reform enacted by President Daniel Ortega's regime, which imposes fines and prison sentences for unauthorized travel. The reform has left thousands living in fear, with relatives of exiles unable to visit, risking imprisonment instead.

Marcos, who has not seen his family in over two years, expressed his anguish over the loss of family gatherings during the holidays. He noted that the new law made travel not only dangerous but also potentially devastating. Similar accounts are echoed among other families, emphasizing that almost every household in Nicaragua has felt the impact of this mass exodus.

Activists and opposition groups have launched campaigns to raise awareness about the plight of families separated by the regime's oppressive measures. December is particularly difficult for those impacted, as traditional celebrations are overshadowed by the absence of loved ones. Despite claims from the government about family unity and peace, the reality for many Nicaraguans paints a contrasting picture of sorrow, loss, and resilience.

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