Today, the United States secured the release on humanitarian grounds of 135 political prisoners unjustly detained by Nicaraguan authorities. These individuals safely and voluntarily arrived in Guatemala, and we thank President Bernardo Arévalo and his administration for their efforts and support in welcoming them. These freed Nicaraguan citizens, will now have the opportunity to apply for lawful pathways to resettle to the United States or elsewhere and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
Those released include human rights defenders, Catholic laypeople, and 13 individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway, a Texas-based religious organization. Nicaraguan authorities unjustly detained these individuals for exercising their fundamental freedoms of expression, of association and peaceful assembly, and of religion or belief. All of them must now undertake the tremendous challenge of establishing their lives in a new country.
Daniel Ortega, Rosario Murillo, and their associates continue to violate human rights, stifle legitimate dissent, jail opponents, seize their property, and prevent citizens from reentering their home country. We urge the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan people want and deserve a restored democracy where all can exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms, free from fear of persecution or reprisal. We continue to support their aspirations for such a future.