The EU condemns the arbitrary closure of seven Catholic radio stations by the Nicaraguan authorities on 1 August and two more community radio/TV stations shortly after. Excessive police force was used to occupy the installations and to intimidate and disperse unarmed protesters with tear gas and gunshots.  This constitutes yet another violation of freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief. 

Since 2018, the Nicaraguan Government has unleashed unprecedented levels of violence against its own people, using killings, forced disappearances, incarceration, harassment and intimidation against political opponents as well as journalists, human rights defenders, religious and other leaders.

Nicaragua currently counts more than 180 political prisoners, who are locked up without respect for Nicaragua’s constitution, criminal law and due process.

In the first half of 2022, authorities shut down over 1200 civil society organisations, without proper justification. As a result, thousands of the most vulnerable Nicaraguans have been left without the assistance these organisations were providing them.

The Nicaraguan authorities must put an end to all repression and restore full respect for all human rights. The EU also reiterates its urgent call on the Nicaraguan Government to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and to annul all legal proceedings against them, including their sentences.

The European Union will continue to monitor the situation closely and to support the people of Nicaragua in their legitimate aspiration for democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law.