No Concessions Offered to Nicaragua for Release of Political Prisoners, US States

The United States did not offer any concessions to Nicaragua in exchange for the recent release of over 100 political prisoners, according to a U.S. official on Monday.

Eric Jacobstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, stated during a press conference, “There were no exchanges or concessions made.” He emphasized that the Nicaraguan government, led by President Daniel Ortega, continues to imprison individuals for political reasons and called for their release.

Jacobstein did not provide specific numbers regarding how many political prisoners might still be held in Nicaragua.

Recently, the U.S. secured the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua, who were subsequently flown to Guatemala. In Guatemala, they are currently residing while they arrange to migrate to other countries.

In recent years, Ortega’s administration has often expelled individuals perceived as adversaries.