ONLINE EVENT: Freedom of Expression and Elections in Nicaragua
This post is also available in: Spanish
Since the protests that began in April 2018 in Nicaragua, journalists and independent media have been persecuted, exiled, threatened, and attacked. Legislation passed in the last year by the Ortega government, including a “Foreign Agents Law” and a “Special Law on Cybercrimes,” provides the government additional tools to repress free speech and silence independent civil society. In the words of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet, “As the elections scheduled for November 2021 draw closer… the adoption of several laws contrary to the freedoms of association, expression, political participation, and the right to due process demonstrate the continual closing of civic and democratic space” in Nicaragua.
What are the principal obstacles to freedom of expression in the context of upcoming elections, and how do these obstacles shape the electoral environment? What strategies can Nicaraguan journalists employ to inform the public and reach a diverse set of audiences in such a restrictive context? And how can the international community best advocate for freedom of expression in Nicaragua?
Follow this event on Twitter at #PressFreedomNica and @The_Dialogue.
We invite participants to submit questions using the Q&A function in Zoom OR to email questions to meetings@thedialogue.org.
Please note that this event will be held in Spanish. Simultaneous translation in English is available for those who join the event online through the RSVP.
Watch the event here:
Welcome Remarks:
Michael Grant
Assistant Deputy Minister, Americas, Global Affairs Canada (@MGrant_Canada)
Speakers:
Néstor Arce
Director and Multimedia Producer, Divergentes (@NestorArce)
Carlos Fernando Chamorro
Director, Confidencial (@cefeche)
Kimberly León
Journalist, La Costeñísima (@LaCostenisima)
Lucía Pineda
Director and Journalist, 100% Noticias (@LuciaPinedaU)
Moderator:
Michael Camilleri
Director, Peter D. Bell Rule of Law Program, Inter-American Dialogue (@camillerimj)
Closing Remarks:
Pedro Vaca
Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Organization of American States (@PVacaV)
EVENT SPONSOR
This event is made possible with support from Global Affairs Canada.
