Nicaragua ratifies extradition and prisoner transfer agreements with Russia

Nicaragua's National Assembly has ratified two significant agreements with Russia, focusing on extradition and the transfer of convicted prisoners. These accords, initially signed in June 2026 during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, were unanimously approved by Nicaraguan lawmakers. Once in effect, the agreements will allow Russian citizens imprisoned in Nicaragua to complete their sentences in Moscow, and vice versa for Nicaraguans incarcerated in Russia.

The Nicaraguan government stated that these agreements are intended to bolster the fight against impunity and enhance cooperation in transferring alleged offenders between the two nations. The objective is to ensure that individuals face justice while respecting due process and legal certainty. Wálmaro Gutiérrez, a member of the Justice Commission, emphasized during the debate that these treaties are consistent with other extradition agreements Nicaragua has made with various countries.

“

ensuring that they face justice, respecting due process and guaranteeing legal certainty

The agreements are set to take effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette, La Gaceta. Their signing took place during a meeting involving Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Laureano Ortega Murillo, the son of Nicaraguan copresidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. Ortega Murillo, who serves as the presidential advisor for investment, trade, and international cooperation, and as Russia's special representative, has been instrumental in forging cooperation pacts with Russia, China, and Belarus.

Laureano Ortega Murillo himself faces sanctions from the United States and the European Union due to alleged "serious human rights violations" against Nicaraguans and his support for the 2021 elections. He is considered by some opposition sectors as a potential successor to his parents. Historically, Russia has been a long-standing partner of Nicaragua, having supplied Soviet-era weaponry to the Nicaraguan Armed Forces during the first Sandinista government.

“

do not differ in absolutely anything with any other extradition treaty that Nicaragua has signed with any other country in the world.