Latest Daniel Ortega News

UN experts accuse Nicaragua's government of abuses 'tantamount to crimes against humanity'

Feb. 29, 2024 14:49 PM EST

MEXICO CITY (AP) — A panel of U.N.-backed human rights experts on Thursday accused Nicaragua ’s government of systematic human rights abuses “tantamount to crimes against humanity," implicating a range of high-ranking officials in the government of President Daniel Ortega. The...

Nicaragua shuts down scouting association and several other social and religious groups

Feb. 16, 2024 18:41 PM EST

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Nicaragua’s government has shut down the country’s scouting organization and seven other nongovernmental organizations, state media La Gaceta reported Friday, the latest in an ongoing crackdown that has seen the government toss out religious orders, charities and civic...

Nicaragua's crackdown on Catholic Church spreads fear among the faithful, there and in exile

Feb. 11, 2024 08:05 AM EST

MIAMI (AP) — Nineteen priests kicked out of the country, dozens of incidents of harassment and church desecrations, rural areas lacking worship and social services: the situation for Catholic clergy and faithful in Nicaragua is only worsening in 2024, according to exiled priests, laypeople in the...

Uncertainty surrounding former president Ricardo Martinelli roils Panama's presidential race

Feb. 09, 2024 22:47 PM EST

PANAMA CITY (AP) — Not a 10-year prison sentence for money laundering nor going into political asylum in Nicaragua’s embassy have weakened the political aspirations of Panama’s former President Ricardo Martinelli who still seeks to retake the presidency. Just last week a judge...

Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez and 18 priests arrive in Rome from prison, guests of Vatican

Jan. 15, 2024 04:21 AM EST

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Nicaragua's government released a prominent Catholic bishop and 18 other clergy members imprisoned in a crackdown by President Daniel Ortega and handed them over to Vatican authorities who welcomed them in Rome. Bishop Rolando Álvarez and the other clergy were...

Nicaragua opponent exiled in Costa Rica wounded in shooting

Jan. 11, 2024 16:08 PM EST

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — A member of the Nicaraguan opposition was shot seven times and in serious condition in Costa Rica, authorities in that country said Thursday. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation department said that 34-year-old Joao Maldonado was shot Wednesday by two...