Support Nicaraguan Families

Nicaraguan President Danial Ortega “dominates” the “highly centralized, authoritarian political system” of Nicaragua, winning his 4th consecutive election in 2021 after jailing almost 40 opposition figures and committing other electoral fraud.1, 2  This followed hundreds of earlier arrests of pro-democracy protesters without warrants while not currently at a protest1, 2. As of February, 2023, about 250 prisoners were being held.1, 2, 3. In addition to protesters and politicians, the government has imprisoned representatives of non-governmental organization (including indigenous and women’s groups), journalists, doctors, and attorneys.2 Sentences vary from 13 to 25 years’ imprisonment. 2, 3 In addition, many disappearances and murders have been reported. 1

Appalling conditions of imprisonment dominate the prison system. Basic rights under Nicaraguan law are denied, such as family visits, attorney communication, or specifying acts for which persons are convicted.2 Reports point out “inhuman conditions,” 3 no visitation,1, 2 lack of food,1, 2 food contamination,1, 2 months of solitary confinement,1 torture1, overcrowding,1 violence among prisoners, poor sanitation,1 fumigation of occupied cells1, and lack of potable water.1 

On February 9th, 222 prisoners were suddenly released to the US.  Their citizenship was stripped from them and they were exiled to the US without their knowledge.  4

At least 35 prisoners were reported detained and not accounted for in the release, including the bishop of Matagalpa, Rolando Alvarez, who refused exile. 5

Unfortunately, this release did not signal an end to the oppression in Nicaragua.  Since February, many more prisoners have been taken, with as many as 89 current prisoners of conscience. 6, 7, 8

References  

1. US Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (2022). 2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nicaragua. Downloaded 9/21/22 https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/nicaragua/. 

2. Human Rights Watch (2022). World Report 2022: Nicaragua:  Events of 2021. Downloaded 9/21/22 https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2022/country-chapters/nicaragua. 

3. United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (2022).  Presentation of Report on the Human Rights Situation in Nicaragua: Human Rights Council Resolution 49/3. Downloaded 9/21/22 https://www.ohchr.org/en/speeches/2022/09/presentation-report-human-rights-situation-nicaragua.

4. Pozzebon, S., Gallon, N. U John, T. (Feb 9, 2023)  Nicaragua releases over 200 political prisoners and sends them to the US.  Downloaded 2/10/23 from https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/09/americas/nicaragua-political-prisoners-intl-latam/index.html

5. La Prensa (Feb 9, 2023). Estos son los 38 presos que el regimen no libero.   Downloaded 2/20/23 from  https://www.laprensani.com/2023/02/09/derecho-humano-ni/3104336-estos-son-los-39-presos-politicos-que-el-regimen-no-libero 

6. United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (23 June, 2023). Nicaragua Update. Downloaded 10/2/23 from https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements/2023/06/nicaragua-update. 

7.  Selser G. (12 September, 2023).    UN says Nicaragua's human rights violations and persecution of dissidents are on the rise. Associated Press.  Downloaded 102/23 from https://apnews.com/article/nicaragua-human-rights-united-nations-04dd198410aa10760a778166db26a4bf

8 Mechanism para el Reconocimiento de Presas Politicas [Mechanism to Recognize Political Prisoners] (2023).  Sobre nosotrxs [About us].  Downloaded 11/10/23 https://presasypresospoliticosnicaragua.org

 Families of Nicaraguan prisoners of conscience supplement food and other necessities for their imprisoned loved ones and they lose income during the imprisonment. Nica Family Support identifies and helps Nicaraguan families in need.  Our program these days is to help families of prisoners financially while their loved one is held. Currently, we send $85 a month to each family on our roster. That does not cover much. The cost of living in Nicaragua is about half of the US, with food accounting for about 38% of that. Milk is about $3.68 a gallon, rice 47₵ a pound, and local cheese $1.58 a pound.1 

Anything you donate to Nica Family Support will go 100% to Nicaraguan families with financial need to support their loved ones imprisoned for their political beliefs. We work with an established team in Nicaragua and the US.  A donor has agreed to cover all administrative costs, which are minimal. Your money goes to the families.

References

1. Numbeo (2022). Cost of Living in Nicaragua. Downloaded 9/21/22 https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Nicaragua. 

Artists Bill Horne and Claire Kujundzic are collaborating with Nica Family Support by providing profits for art  dedicated to our work.  60% of sales for this art goes to Nica Family Support.  To order a silk screened print of a Nicaraguan license plate from 1979 or for more information, go to https://forms.gle/NQyMyS21AAYtDnSV7.

Nica Family Support often uses house concerts to raise money.  We'll help you sponsor one in your home or a home in your area.  You find a musician or other entertainer who is willing to donate a performance and fill the house with your friends and family.  They come for free.  Well, they come fro just the price of a pitch to donate to NIca Family Support!

It's a lot of fun, a relaxed way to ask for support for families who need it desperately.  We'll guide you through figuring out the venue (inside or outside), finding an artist, deicing on the sound system. It's not hard.

We are on Facebook and we have a website.  We send out occasional newsletters.  Help with any of these activities or getting us on Instagram would be welcome.  For details, contact Tori at support@nicafamilysupport.org, 303-762-1758, or the IM on Facebook.