Government-backed attacks on Nicaraguan newspapers and civil society groups have sparked growing concern over a worsening wave of repression. In recent months, journalists have been threatened, beaten and arrested, drawing condemnation from international organizations such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. On December 13th, the Nicaraguan police raided the offices of media organizations and five civil society groups, seizing sensitive documents and threatening their staff.
In Nicaragua, street protests that started in April 2018 in reaction to reforms in the social security system catalyzed a national movement demanding democratic change. To date, the Ortega Administration has responded to citizen protests with violent and repressive tactics, yet despite external pressure has shown little interest in a negotiated solution.
On Thursday, December 20th the Inter-American Dialogue will host an expert panel to discuss the new wave of repression and attacks on freedom of expression. How should we interpret the stepped up and ominous attacks on the press and civil society in Nicaragua? The panel will also review policy choices, including whether international pressure, such as US sanctions, can be leveraged to negotiate a solution to the continuing crisis.
Follow this event on Twitter at #PressFreedomNicaragua and @The_Dialogue.
OPENING REMARKS
Michael Shifter
President, Inter-American Dialogue (@MichaelShifter)
SPEAKERS
Margaux Ewen
Executive Director, Reporters without Borders North America (@MargauxEwen)
Anibal Toruño
Manager and Owner of Radio Darío (@AnibalToruno)
Felix Maradiaga
Executive Director, Institute of Strategic Studies and Public Policy in Nicaragua (IEEPP) (@maradiaga)
Tanya Mroczek-Amador
Executive Director, Corner of Love (@Amador_OEA)
MODERATOR
Manuel Orozco
Director of Migration, Remittances and Development Program, Inter-American Dialogue (@ManuelOrozco65)
Event partner:
