Nicaragua opposition demands proof of life for nine disappeared prisoners

Nicaragua's opposition coalition, the National Unity Blue and White, has demanded the government provide proof of life for at least nine political prisoners who are considered forcibly disappeared. This urgent plea comes after the death of Miskito indigenous leader and National Assembly member Brooklyn Rivera while in state custody.

The coalition stated, "We demand proof of life for all disappeared persons and the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners." Many of the coalition's leaders live in exile, having been stripped of their nationality or barred from entering Nicaragua by authorities who accused them of treason.

Human rights monitors report that at least 46 government critics remain imprisoned in Nicaragua. Of these, nine are considered to be in a state of enforced disappearance. These figures are supported by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Nicaraguan human rights organizations operating in exile have expressed fears that more detainees could become victims under state custody, especially after Rivera's death.

Rivera, 73, was the leader of the indigenous party Yatama, meaning 'Children of Mother Earth' in the Miskito language. He was arrested in September 2023. He is among nine opposition figures and government critics who have died in state custody over the past seven years. Notable figures include retired General Humberto Ortega, President Daniel Ortega's younger brother, and historic former guerrilla fighter Hugo Torres.