The SRFOE urges the State of Nicaragua to cease repressive actions against journalists

July 23, 2024

Washington, D.C. - The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expresses its concern over the intensification of repressive actions against journalists and the closure of media outlets in Nicaragua. This Office urges the State to put an end to its censorship actions and to guarantee freedom of expression.

During the course of 2024, the Office of the Special Rapporteur has observed a significant increase in the persecution of the independent press in Nicaragua. According to the information received, Nicaraguan journalists face various forms of pressure, from police harassment; arbitrary detentions; excessive and disproportionate application of criminal law; house visits followed by daily summons to police stations; forced expulsion from the country; to the cancellation of the legal status of independent media. Of particular concern are reports of the disappearance of journalist Fabiola Tercero, whose whereabouts have been unknown since July 12, following a police raid on her residence.

The Special Rapporteurship is also concerned about the situation of journalists exiled from the country. Civil society reports indicate that, in the first half of the year, at least 26 journalists were forced to leave Nicaragua for safety reasons. This figure adds to a total of approximately 263 Nicaraguan journalists exiled since 2018.

This Office has learned that exiled journalists continue to be subjected to various forms of harassment through social networks. Likewise, there are concerns for the safety and integrity of their relatives in Nicaragua, who, according to reports received by this Office, have been subjected to arbitrary detentions, surveillance and harassment by police forces.

In this context, the Office of the Special Rapporteur has also received reports of the closure of several media outlets, including Radio María, whose legal personality was revoked by the Ministry of the Interior on July 9. These closures have expanded the media “zones of silence” in at least 8 departments of the country, affecting the right of society to receive information, as well as transparency, government accountability and control of corruption.

In this regard, the Office of the Special Rapporteur reiterates that an independent and critical press is a crucial element for the validity of the other freedoms that make up the democratic system and the rule of law. Attacks, harassment and intimidation against journalists affect both the right to freedom of expression in its individual facet and the right of society to have free access to information.

The SRFOE reiterates its call to the State of Nicaragua to immediately cease repression against journalists and media outlets, as well as to release those who have been detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression in the public interest. It also urges the State to facilitate the safe return of expelled journalists and to immediately disclose the whereabouts of journalist Fabiola Tercero. Finally, the SRFOE stresses the need for States and the international community to continue to support and protect the work of the Nicaraguan press.

The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression is an office created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to encourage the hemispheric defense of the right to freedom of thought and expression, considering its fundamental role in the consolidation and development of the democratic system.

No. R168/24

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