Ana Piquer, Americas Director at Amnesty International, condemned the death of Brooklyn Rivera, a Miskitu Indigenous leader and prisoner of conscience, while in Nicaraguan state custody, stating that his passing was preventable and rooted in systemic failures. Rivera, who had been detained without formal charges or access to legal representation, died following a prolonged decline in health, according to the organization’s statement. Piquer emphasized that authorities had failed to ensure his basic rights, including family contact and independent oversight, during his detention.
Amnesty International highlighted that Rivera’s case reflects broader patterns of arbitrary detention and restricted access to medical care for political prisoners in Nicaragua. The organization cited international human rights standards, which mandate that deaths in state custody be investigated thoroughly and transparently. Piquer stressed that such failures risk violating the right to life, urging regional governments and international bodies to demand accountability from Nicaraguan authorities.
The statement called for immediate access to information about Rivera’s detention and the circumstances of his death, as well as the return of his remains for burial in accordance with Miskitu traditions. It noted that his family’s right to truth must be prioritized, warning that delays or obstructions would exacerbate the state’s responsibility. Amnesty International reiterated its appeal for independent, impartial inquiries into his case and the conditions of other political detainees in the country.
Brooklyn Rivera’s death has intensified scrutiny of Nicaragua’s treatment of Indigenous leaders and activists, many of whom face charges linked to their advocacy. The Miskitu community, which has long advocated for land rights and cultural preservation, has reported increased surveillance and harassment in recent years. International observers have documented a rise in politically motivated detentions, with critics alleging that such actions aim to suppress dissent.
Amnesty International’s statement followed repeated appeals to Nicaraguan authorities to address the risks faced by detainees. The organization cited specific concerns about inadequate medical care, prolonged isolation, and lack of due process, all of which it argued contributed to Rivera’s death. Piquer emphasized that the case underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent further loss of life in custody.
The Nicaraguan government has not publicly commented on Rivera’s death or Amnesty International’s allegations. However, the country’s justice system has previously faced criticism for its handling of politically sensitive cases. In 2023, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights issued a report highlighting concerns about the independence of Nicaraguan courts and the treatment of prisoners of conscience.
Amnesty International has called on the Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations to escalate pressure on Nicaragua to comply with its obligations under international law. The organization also urged diplomatic missions in the region to prioritize the release of detained activists and to ensure that investigations into state custody deaths meet global standards. A spokesperson for the group reiterated that “the right to life cannot be conditional on political affiliation or ethnicity.”
