Mexico, Argentina recall ambassadors over arrests in Nicaragua

MEXICO, June 22 -- Mexico and Argentina on Monday recalled their ambassadors to assess the "worrying political" actions carried out by the Nicaraguan government in recent days over the arrests of opposition leaders, according to Anadolu.

In a joint statement, both governments reiterated their full willingness to collaborate constructively in promoting dialogue so that Nicaraguans may "overcome the situation peacefully, respecting the division of powers, respect for minorities, constitutional guarantees and, in general, full respect for the rule of law and all human rights."

The statement came after Nicaraguan authorities apprehended journalist and presidential candidate Miguel Mora on Sunday night. So far more than 15 arrests have been made by the President Ortega Murillo government.

Mora was charged under the "Law for the Defense of the Rights of the People to Independence, Sovereignty, and Self-determination for Peace." Ortega has used the law 1055 to criminalise all political dissidents, including politicians, business owners, and ex guerilla members.

Back in December 2018, the 100 per cent Noticias, a news outlet that broadcasted the demonstrations against Ortega, was raided by the police. Its owner, Mora, was also apprehended for allegedly "inciting hatred" against the Ortega administration. 

Mora was freed in June 2019 alongside 30 political prisoners.

In March 2021, Mora announced his candidacy for Nicaragua's presidency for the next election to be held on Nov. 7. The journalist was launching his campaign through the opposition Democratic restorative party or PRD.

However, the Supreme Electoral Council (CSE), the electoral body controlled by Ortega, canceled the PRD party's legal status allegedly for straying away from the Christian values on which they were founded.

So far, Nicaraguan authorities have apprehended five different presidential candidates. Those include opposition leader Cristiana Chamorro, Felix Maradiaga, Arturo Cruz, and Juan Sebastian Chamorro as well as Mora.

-- BERNAMA