Archive · 23 Sep 2025
UN: Nicaragua Expands Repression to Critics Abroad
Imagine the government of a country is upset with people who criticize it, even those who have left the country.
This government is now using tactics like spying on them online, threatening them, and taking away their belongings.
A group from the United Nations, like a team of detectives, investigated and found this is happening.
They are also stopping people from returning home and taking away their citizenship.
This is happening because people protested against the government a few years ago.
The government is trying to make sure no one speaks out against them, no matter where they are.
Nicaragua's government is expanding its repression of opponents beyond its borders.
The U.N. Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua (GHREN) reported the findings.
The government employs digital surveillance, direct threats, and intimidation tactics.
The report highlights state-sponsored digital espionage against exiles and their families.
These actions are a response to criticism of Ortega's government following 2018 protests.
- Who
- Daniel Ortega's government and the U.N. Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua (GHREN).
- What
- Expanding repression to target Nicaraguan critics abroad through digital surveillance, threats, and asset confiscation.
- When
- Since 2018, and the report was presented on Tuesday.
- Where
- Beyond Nicaragua's borders, targeting Nicaraguans in exile.
- Why
- To silence critics in exile and suppress dissent against Ortega's government.
- Key Figure
- Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo
- Organization
- U.N. Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua (GHREN)
- Actions
- Arbitrary deprivation of nationality, bans on re-entry, denial of passports, confiscation of assets, digital surveillance, threats, intimidation
- Target
- Nicaraguans abroad, critics in exile and their families
- Date of Report
- Presented in Geneva on Tuesday
- Cause
- Criticism of Ortega's government after 2018 protests