at least 292 people died in protests against the regime

The toll of clashes between protesters and police is increasing in Nicaragua. According to a new report from the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (Cenidh), Monday, July 23, at least 292 people have died in the country since the beginning of protests against the government of President Daniel Ortega, in power for eleven years.

Among these victims, the Cenidh lists 20 police officers and some 30 paramilitaries or government supporters. The Nicaraguan Association for Human Rights (ANPDH), counts 350 dead and 2,000 wounded. The government has not given official figures, and only recognizes the deaths of police and supporters of the regime.

The wave of demonstrations against Ortega, unleashed on April 18 by a social security reform project that has been abandoned, is unprecedented in the country. The demonstrators demand the departure of the president, in power since 2007 after having been between 1979 and 1990. The latter is accused of establishing a "dictatorship" with his wife Rosario Murillo, the vice-president of the country.

Daniel Ortega, 72, dismissed any resignation Monday. It also refuses to advance the next elections scheduled for 2021, and denounces a "conspiracy of the opposition" to overthrow it.