Nicaragua News

In Nicaragua, over 900,000 people have left the country since 2018 due to political persecution and economic crises. With a population of just over six million, nearly every family is affected by the absence of a loved one, especially during the holiday season. Recent changes to the Immigration and Foreigners Law have intensified these separations. Families had planned holiday trips to reunite with exiled relatives in neighboring countries, but the law now imposes severe penalties for attempting to leave Nicaragua. One family, planning to visit a relative in Costa Rica, abandoned their trip after the Ortega-Murillo regime's immigration reforms raised the risks of imprisonment and fines for activists. This year, many families are also mourning the inability to reunite due to tightened border controls and significant surveillance at crossing points like Peñas Blancas. Testimonies highlight that for many Nicaraguans in exile, Christmas gatherings are overshadowed by the emotional distress of separation from family members who can face arbitrary detention or bans from re-entering the country. Opposition groups report that the current political climate has exacerbated the trauma of family separation, with the campaign “Every life tells us a story” aimed at increasing visibility about this issue. The situation is particularly painful for young Nicaraguans who, like María Laura Alvarado in Costa Rica, reflect on lost traditions and disrupted family gatherings due to an oppressive regime. Former political prisoners echo these sentiments of loss and insist on the need for a future built on hope and unity for all Nicaraguans. Meanwhile, the Ortega-Murillo administration continues to downplay the crisis, presenting a contrasting narrative about stability and family unity during the festive season.

As Christmas approaches, the emotional toll of political exile becomes painfully evident for many Nicaraguan families. More than 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country since 2018 due to political persecution and economic hardship, leaving countless families divided. The government of President Daniel Ortega recently implemented stringent changes to the Immigration and Foreigners Law, effectively sealing off the country for those wishing to reconnect with loved ones abroad. Families, such as that of an opponent known as Marcos, planned to reunite in Costa Rica for the holidays. However, after learning about the new regulations—which impose severe penalties for attempting to leave Nicaragua—those plans were dashed. "The grief really affects us emotionally," said a family member, lamenting the nearly two and a half years they have been apart. The widespread impact of this migration crisis is reflected in individual stories, including that of a nun who was denied entry back to Nicaragua during a layover in Mexico, labeled as a traitor by authorities. Opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense (CDN) highlighted that almost every family is touched by this exodus, as they launched the campaign “Every life tells us a story” to share experiences of separation and loss during this festive season. Meanwhile, Ortega's administration continues to dismiss claims of repression, with co-president Rosario Murillo portraying a narrative of national unity and peace. However, exiled Nicaraguans assert that the regime's actions foster a climate of fear and division, leaving many to endure another holiday apart from loved ones. In a country of over six million, the emotional scars of separation resonate deeply, hindering the joy typically associated with family gatherings during Christmas.

As Christmas approaches, many families in Nicaragua face heartbreak due to enforced separation caused by a repressive regime. Since 2018, over 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country, escaping political persecution and economic hardship. The situation worsened following the recent approval of a law that restricts the movement of foreign citizens and residents. The Sandinista government's new Immigration and Foreigners Law increases penalties for those deemed to undermine national integrity, leading to fears that attempts to reunite with loved ones in exile could result in imprisonment. Marcos, an anonymous relative of an exile, expressed sadness about the canceled Christmas trip to Costa Rica to see his family member, who has been away for two and a half years. Similarly, sister Azucena Bracamonte Valle was denied entry to Nicaragua from Mexico, labeled a traitor by immigration authorities despite intending to spend the holidays with her family. Opposition groups highlight that this separation is part of the broader issue of family fragmentation due to political repression, underscoring the emotional toll on Nicaraguans during festive seasons. Juan Sebastián Chamorro, a former political prisoner, stated that the holidays serve as a painful reminder of the distance and loss inflicted by the Ortega-Murillo regime. In contrast, government officials continue to portray a narrative of peace and stability during the holiday season, reinforcing the disconnect between their claims and the reality faced by many families.

This Christmas, many Nicaraguan families find themselves grappling with separation and loss due to recent immigration reforms enacted by the government of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. Since 2018, over 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country, seeking refuge from political persecution and economic crisis. As the festive season approaches, the emotional pain of family separation is heightened, with almost every family affected by the ongoing exodus. The recent amendments to the Immigration and Foreigners Law, which include severe penalties for individuals attempting to leave or enter Nicaragua without state approval, have intensified the situation. Families like that of an anonymous individual referred to as Marcos faced the heartbreak of abandoning plans to visit relatives living in exile due to fears of imprisonment or increased surveillance at borders. The impact of these policies reaches beyond immediate family members. The organization Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde (CDN) highlights that Christmas traditions have been disrupted, with gatherings and reunions thwarted by government repression. Thousands of families are unable to spend the holidays together, as evidenced by the story of nun Azucena Bracamonte Valle, who was denied re-entry into Nicaragua after a trip abroad. Opposition leaders are raising awareness of this ongoing crisis through campaigns that document the stories of those affected by political exile and family separation. As the Ortega-Murillo regime continues to suppress dissent, many Nicaraguans are left hoping for a future marked by peace and reunion.

As Christmas approaches, Nicaraguan families are grappling with separation due to political persecution under the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. Since 2018, over 900,000 Nicaraguans have left their home country, resulting in deep emotional scars and disrupted holiday traditions for countless families. Plans for family reunions have been thwarted due to recent changes in the Immigration and Foreigners Law, which now penalizes foreign citizens and residents attempting to leave or enter Nicaragua. One family, hoping to spend Christmas with their loved one who has been exiled in Costa Rica, was forced to cancel their trip out of fear of imprisonment or further consequences. The increased surveillance at borders has caused many families to rethink their plans. The situation reflects a broader trend of separation affecting nearly every Nicaraguan family, as the opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde states, "Nicaragua is suffering the largest exodus in its history." Emotional testimonies highlight the deep sorrow felt by those unable to reunite with loved ones during this festive season. Azucena Bracamonte Valle, a nun, was denied entry upon returning from Rome, labeled as a traitor. The opposition’s campaign "Every life tells us a story" seeks to raise awareness about these hardships, emphasizing the need to document the experiences of Nicaraguans affected by familial separation and political oppression. While the Ortega-Murillo regime claims to promote family unity during the holidays, critics argue that their policies are destroying family bonds. The call for peace and hope resonates among those who continue to endure the harsh realities of living under a dictatorship.

As Christmas approaches, Nicaraguans face deepening family separations due to political persecution and recent immigration laws. Since 2018, over 900,000 citizens have fled the country, leaving nearly every family affected by the exodus. One recent story highlights the plight of the Marcos family, who had planned to reunite in Costa Rica but were forced to cancel their trip after the government enacted strict travel restrictions. The new immigration law, approved by the regime of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, criminalizes the act of leaving Nicaragua for political dissidents, implementing harsh penalties for those attempting to exit or enter the country. Marcos, who has not seen his family in over two years, expressed the emotional toll the situation has taken on his family, opting to abandon their travel plans for fear of imprisonment. Amid ongoing repression, many Nicaraguans have taken to sharing their experiences in hopes of raising awareness of their struggles. The opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde described the mass departure of Nicaraguans as "the largest exodus in its history." As families reflect on their separations during this holiday season, opposition leaders call for hope and reunion in the future, contrasting the government's assertions that all is well in the country.

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.

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.

As Christmas approaches, many Nicaraguan families find themselves grappling with separation due to a newly enacted immigration reform in Nicaragua. The new law, approved by the Sandinista Parliament, allows the government to deny foreign citizens and residents entry to or exit from the country, a move seen as part of ongoing political repression under President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo. Since 2018, over 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country to escape political persecution and economic hardship. For many, like a member of the Marcos family, plans to reunite for the holidays have been dashed. The family had hoped to travel to Costa Rica to celebrate Christmas together but abandoned their plans after learning about the harsh penalties associated with the new immigration law, which includes prison sentences for those deemed to undermine national integrity. The situation is echoed in other stories, such as that of Azucena Bracamonte Valle, a nun who was recently denied entry into Nicaragua while returning from Rome due to accusations of "treason." As the holiday season arrives, the emotional toll of separation weighs heavily on many Nicaraguan families, with Christmas traditions significantly impacted by the regime's tightening grip on the country. Political opposition groups, including the Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense, highlight the pervasive family separations and have launched campaigns to share the personal stories behind the political crisis. These narratives reveal the profound sadness and longing felt by many, particularly during what is traditionally a time of family reunions. The Ortega administration, however, has dismissed criticism, portraying an image of unity and stability in televised addresses. Despite governmental assurances, displaced Nicaraguans continue to face uncertainty, marking yet another challenging holiday season away from their loved ones.

A recent report from the Foundation for Freedom of Expression and Democracy reveals a dire state of journalism in Nicaragua, where ten out of fifteen regions have effectively lost all forms of independent media. This deterioration is attributed to the ongoing persecution of journalists by the regime of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo. The report, released on January 13, 2025, details how many journalists, including TV anchors and local reporters, have been expelled, detained, or forced into exile, with many others working in clandestine conditions due to fear of government reprisals. It notes a sharp increase in regions with no journalistic coverage, rising from five to ten in the past year. Self-censorship has become prevalent, with many journalists refraining from reporting incidents, including human rights abuses, to protect themselves and their families. The report documented 81 cases of press freedom violations in 2024, a slight improvement from the previous year, suggesting increased self-imposed limitations rather than an actual easing of restrictions. Recent incidents include arbitrary detentions, such as that of Fabiola Tercero, missing since July 2024, and the arrest of Elsbeth D’Anda, a TV program director, who reported on rising costs of living. Additionally, the expulsion of retired journalists and the forced exile of 46 professionals in 2024 illustrate the extensive repression faced by the press. As the Ortega and Murillo administration continues to consolidate power, the future of journalism in Nicaragua remains bleak, with the report warning of an increasing number of "news deserts," leaving many citizens without access to independent information.

More than 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled their country since 2018, driven by political persecution and economic turmoil. As Christmas approaches, many families face the heartache of separation from loved ones. Recent changes to the Immigration and Foreigners Law, backed by President Daniel Ortega's regime, have heightened fears among those seeking to reunite with family members in exile. The law now imposes harsh penalties, including prison sentences for attempting to leave or enter Nicaragua. Witnessing this situation is the Marcos family, who had planned a Christmas trip to Costa Rica to reunite with a relative in exile. However, the newly enacted law forced them to abandon their plans, fearing reprisals from the government. Similar stories are echoed across Nicaraguan families, where the absence of a member has become a painful norm during the festive season. Among those impacted is Azucena Bracamonte Valle, a nun who, after five years abroad, was denied entry into Nicaragua due to accusations of "treason." The current repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime has thwarted many Christmas gatherings, and critics claim Nicaragua is experiencing the largest exodus in its history. This Christmas, feelings of grief and loss resonate deeply in the hearts of those separated by political strife, as families yearn to reunite despite risks posed by the regime. The opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde is raising awareness about these tragic family separations, hoping to keep the stories of those affected in the public eye.

In a controversial move, Nicaragua's government, headed by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, has sworn in 1,700 members of a newly established "volunteer police" force. This initiative, part of a broader effort to legitimize paramilitary groups, comes as the regime continues to face criticism for its violent repression of protests, particularly those occurring in 2018, which resulted in the deaths of over 350 individuals. The ceremonies took place in Estelí and Madriz, with more similar events planned across the country. The new Political Constitution, currently under revision, includes provisions that establish these volunteer forces as auxiliary to the National Police, effectively institutionalizing the very groups that have been accused of committing crimes against humanity during past protests. Critics argue that this development further entrenches a "family dictatorship," blurring the lines between the state and the ruling party. Moreover, the reformed constitution positions the Sandinista flag alongside the national flag as an official national symbol, a decision seen by opponents as a move to consolidate state power and suppress dissent. The creation of the volunteer police is seen as a direct response to increasing public discontent and is expected to escalate tensions in the already polarized political climate. Despite these changes, reports indicate that many members of the volunteer police are public employees who were coerced into military training under threat of dismissal. Human rights organizations warn that these developments will only exacerbate violence and repression in Nicaragua, a concern echoed by international observers following the issuance of an arrest warrant against Ortega and Murillo by Argentine authorities in December 2024.

As Christmas approaches, many Nicaraguan families find themselves grappling with the emotional pain of separation, exacerbated by the ongoing political repression under the Ortega-Murillo regime. Since 2018, over 900,000 Nicaraguans have fled the country to escape political persecution and economic hardship, impacting nearly every family in the nation of just over six million people. New immigration reforms, enacted by the Sandinista Parliament at the end of November, have heightened these tensions. The changes impose severe penalties, including prison sentences, for those attempting to leave Nicaragua. Families like that of Marcos—whose name is pseudonymous for safety—had excited plans to reunite for Christmas in Costa Rica but were forced to cancel amid fears of arrest and increased border surveillance. This situation has been underscored by the story of Azucena Bracamonte Valle, a nun who was denied entry back into Nicaragua after years abroad, merely on the grounds of alleged “treason.” The plight of families torn apart by the regime is echoed in the sentiments shared by members of the opposition group, Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense, who launched the campaign “Every life tells us a story” to illuminate the struggles of exiled families. Former political prisoner Juan Sebastián Chamorro, a noted opposition leader, emphasizes the deep sorrow experienced by Nicaraguans during the holiday season, which now serves as a stark reminder of the families separated by the dictatorship. Despite the regime’s claims of providing peace and prosperity, many Nicaraguans contend that the leadership is actively destroying the fabric of familial bonds. As thousands face yet another holiday apart, the affected families hold on to faith, hope, and the yearning for reunion.

More than 900,000 people have fled Nicaragua since 2018, driven by political persecution and economic hardship. As Christmas approaches, many families face the emotional strain of separation from loved ones, particularly due to recent changes in immigration laws enacted by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo. One family’s planned Christmas trip to Costa Rica was abruptly canceled after new immigration regulations were put into effect, which effectively prohibit citizens from leaving Nicaragua without risking prison sentences. Family members expressed deep sorrow, noting that for many Nicaraguans, this season traditionally associated with family reunions is shadowed by absence and loss. The issue of family separation is not unique to this family; it reflects a broader crisis affecting nearly every household in Nicaragua. Recent stories showcase individuals like Azucena Bracamonte Valle, a nun who was denied re-entry into Nicaragua under allegations of "treason." Such cases underline the diminishing freedoms and increasing repression faced by many Nicaraguans. The opposition group, Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde, has launched a campaign to raise awareness about these painful separations and the impact of the Ortega-Murillo regime on families. They noted that in a country of over six million, the absence of loved ones during Christmas celebrations is a shared experience among exiles and the politically persecuted. While government officials portray a narrative of peace and family unity, many Nicaraguans, including exiled political leaders, voice their anguish over the realities of separation and repression. As the holiday season progresses, the emotional toll of an ongoing dictatorship looms heavy on those forced into exile.

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.

As Nicaragua endures its ongoing political crisis, this Christmas season brings heightened sorrow for families separated by government repression. Since 2018, more than 900,000 people have fled the country due to political persecution and economic collapse, leaving almost every family affected by the exile or disappearance of a loved one. A recent immigration reform established by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo prohibits foreign citizens and residents from entering and exiting Nicaragua, elevating the risk for families attempting to reunite. Among them is a family whose plans to visit a relative in Costa Rica were thwarted by the new law, which threatens long prison sentences for those who defy it. The emotional toll of separation is profound; one family member lamented the loss of family connections during the festive season, a time traditionally associated with togetherness and celebration. The opposition group, Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde, highlights these stories through their campaign "Every life tells us a story," aiming to shed light on the profound impact of family separations during a time meant for reunion. Despite the challenges faced, members remain hopeful for a future of joy and unity, emphasizing that over six million Nicaraguans share in the heavy burden of family separation. In contrast, Murillo continues to promote a narrative of peace and stability in her public addresses, prompting criticism from dissidents who accuse her and Ortega of exacerbating the suffering of Nicaraguan families. As Christmas approaches, the sentiment among exiles and politically oppressed individuals remains one of grief and longing for a return to togetherness.

This Christmas, many Nicaraguans are grappling with the pain of separation from loved ones, exacerbated by a recent immigration reform approved by the government of President Daniel Ortega. Since 2018, over 900,000 people have fled Nicaragua due to political persecution and economic instability, leaving nearly every family estranged from at least one member. The Ortega regime's new law essentially criminalizes the movement of foreign citizens and residents, increasing the challenges faced by families attempting to reunite. A member of the Marcos family, who wished to remain anonymous, shared their disrupted plans to reunite with a relative in Costa Rica, which were thwarted by fears of imprisonment upon returning to Nicaragua. "The risk went through the roof," they stated, as they abandoned plans that had already been set in motion. Another poignant story is that of Azucena Bracamonte Valle, a nun barred entry upon her return from Rome, accused of “treason.” The continuous enforcement of such policies creates a suffocating atmosphere for those still in Nicaragua, as many holiday gatherings are disrupted and cherished traditions shattered. The opposition group, Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde (CDN), is raising awareness of these issues through a campaign titled "Every Life Tells Us a Story," highlighting the intimate dramas caused by family separation under the regime. Members express that December, typically associated with family togetherness, has become a reminder of loss and grief, especially this year with over 40 political prisoners still behind bars. While the government publicly promotes a narrative of peace and family unity, opposition voices, including former political prisoner Juan Sebastián Chamorro, argue that the reality for many Nicaraguans is one of pain and division. As families face another holiday season apart, the emotional toll of the ongoing repression remains a stark reminder of the human costs of political oppression.