Amnesty International has declared Nicaraguan Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera a prisoner of conscience, demanding immediate answers from the government of Daniel Ortega regarding his detention and well-being. The call comes amid growing international concern over Rivera’s whereabouts, which remain unknown since his arrest by Nicaraguan authorities.
Astrid Valencia, Deputy Director of Research for the Americas at Amnesty International, stated that the continued lack of information regarding Rivera’s condition “exacerbates the already extremely serious human rights violations he is facing.” Valencia emphasized the Nicaraguan authorities’ obligation to “demonstrate without delay that he is alive and to ensure that his rights are fully respected.”
Rivera, a former deputy of the indigenous YATAMA political party, has been held by the Nicaraguan government, sparking fears of escalating repression against dissent. Amnesty International has repeatedly condemned what it describes as a “repressive apparatus” under Ortega’s government, which has led to a deepening human rights crisis in the country. This crisis is characterized by the dismantling of independent media and human rights organizations, the forced exile of journalists and activists, and the criminalization of those who voice criticism of the government.
According to Amnesty International, the lack of transparency surrounding Rivera’s detention is not an isolated incident but rather “confirms a wider pattern of repression against Indigenous leaders, critical voices and civil society organisations in Nicaragua.” The organization is calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Rivera and all others detained solely for exercising their human rights.
The Mechanism for the Recognition of Political Prisoners reports that at least 46 individuals are currently detained in Nicaragua for political reasons, suggesting Rivera’s case is part of a broader, systematic effort to suppress opposition. Concerns over political repression in Nicaragua have been mounting in recent years, with the Ortega government accused of employing increasingly authoritarian tactics to consolidate state control.
Amnesty International’s call for information on Rivera’s well-being follows a campaign initiated by the Havana Times, which similarly highlighted the need for answers from the Nicaraguan government. The international community is increasingly focused on the situation, with mounting pressure on Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo to address the human rights concerns and provide assurances regarding the safety and rights of political prisoners.
