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For President Daniel Ortega Nicaragua regained peace after defeating "terrorism", which he blamed for the anti-government protests that rocked the country since April and left more than 300 dead
Its opponents, meanwhile, denounce an increase in threats, captures and disappearances in the context of persecution against the participants in the demonstrations.
At a ceremony in Managua on the occasion of the 39th anniversary of the Air Force, Ortega reaffirmed his message that the economy began to to recover after the security forces regained control two weeks ago of the town of Masaya, the last stronghold in the hands of protesters.
Although marches and demonstrations take place daily, they no longer affect activity and no new confrontation has been generated.
"As we are honored to commemorate this anniversary in peace, something that seemed difficult a few weeks ago", declared Ortega in a vast speech in Managua
"The country was mired in terror, terrorist practices that were not known in our country (…) Kidnapping of citizens, kidnapping of police, kidnapping of women, "
Since the capture of Masaya, Ortega ] insisted that the ruling forces, public workers and supporters of the ruling Sandinista Front be presented as victims of the protesters 19659008] Human rights groups inside and outside the country Outside Nicaragua accused the Ortega government of violently suppressing demonstrations that began on April 18 against a reform of the social security issue, but that were not enforced. is r
At least 300 people died in demonstrations and repression, according to human rights groups, although Ortega He states that they are 195.
– More persecution –
While Ortega proclaimed peace, the opposition denounced an increase in persecution against the participants in the protests
"Basically there are threats, captures, disappearances looting and burning houses of opponents, "told AFP the former deputy José Pallais, leader of the opposition, the Frente Amplio por la Democracia (1965-19913). The government's intention is to "extinguish all the critical voices" – to make them disappear, "said Pallais, who said several opponents were captured, houses of at least three were looted and two were burned.
Some 1,900 people were arrested as part of the crackdown on the protests, of whom 488 are still imprisoned and 98 have been criminalized, according to a report by the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (Cenidh).
Captured people are accused of "terrorism" and other crimes on the basis of a law approved on July 16 that penalizes up to 20 years in prison "the alteration of the constitutional order, "according to the organization.
the prosecutor announced Monday that he was investigating 10 opposition activists to support demonstrations, among which student leaders Lesther Alemán, Víctor Cuadra and opposition Jorge Solís, members of the Opposition Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy Participating in Dialogue
Meanwhile, hundreds of health workers protested in Managua for dismissing dozens of their colleagues in public hospitals for treatment injured protesters.
– UN International Action –
for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday called for international solidarity with Costa Rica and other countries hosting Nicaraguans who leave their country because of persecution and
The body warned in a statement that "thousands are fleeing growing political tensions, violence and serious violations of human rights in" Nicaragua .
Meanwhile, the OAS will debate on Thursday Washington the creation of a special commission to seek "peaceful and sustainable" solutions to the turbulence that live Nicaragua an initiative promoted by the I & # Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the United States, Mexico and Peru. 19659022] "The Special Commission for 19459004 Nicaragua will contribute to the process of national dialogue, including support, accompaniment and verification measures in coordination with the ongoing efforts of the Organization and Other regional and international actors ". published on the OAS website.
Source: AFP
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