Washington, DC - The United States condemns the ongoing attacks by Daniel Ortega’s para-police against university students, journalists, and clergy across the country, in addition to the arbitrary detention of Civic Alliance leadership. Every additional victim of this violence and intimidation campaign further undermines Ortega’s legitimacy. We call on Ortega to cease his repression of the people of Nicaragua immediately.

The Nicaraguan government must heed the Nicaraguan people’s call for democratic reforms immediately. Early, free, fair, and transparent elections are the best path back to democracy and respect for human rights in Nicaragua.

As part of our response to flagrant human rights abuses by members of the Government of Nicaragua, the State Department has imposed additional U.S. visa restrictions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses or undermining democracy in Nicaragua, as well as on their family members. The United States will continue to expose and hold accountable those responsible for the Ortega government’s campaign of violence and repression.