Nicaraguan Journalist Fabiola Tercero Castro Seen After 16 Months – A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Growing Fears for Press Freedom
Managua, Nicaragua – November 11, 2025 – In a development that has simultaneously offered a sliver of hope and deepened concerns about human rights in Nicaragua, journalist Fabiola Tercero Castro has been publicly shown by state media after being missing since July 12, 2024. The appearance, broadcast on Channel 13 – a station linked to the Nicaraguan government – comes amidst a continuing crackdown on dissent and independent voices in the country. This breaking news story is unfolding rapidly, and archyde.com is committed to providing the latest updates.
What We Know About Fabiola Tercero Castro’s Case
Tercero Castro, a feminist journalist and creator of the book promotion platform ‘El Rincón de Fabi,’ was reportedly detained following a search of her home in Managua. Her disappearance coincided with increased arrests of opponents and critics leading up to the anniversary of the Sandinista revolution. For 16 agonizing months, her whereabouts remained unknown, fueling fears of a forced disappearance orchestrated by the government of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.
The state-run Channel 13 reported that Tercero Castro “takes off their mask and denies a media campaign” alleging she was missing or kidnapped, claiming she has been at home with her mother, Rosalinda Castro García. However, crucially, the report did not clarify whether she is currently free or under house arrest. Images and videos released by the government show Tercero Castro appearing visibly deteriorated.
A Pattern of Disappearance and Selective ‘Proof of Life’
The Association of Independent Journalists and Communicators of Nicaragua (PCIN), largely comprised of exiled journalists now based in Costa Rica, has strongly condemned the government’s actions. They argue that this display of Tercero Castro is not a humanitarian gesture, but a calculated tactic. “This action is not a humanitarian gesture, it is a systematic tactic of the regime: disappear, torture with uncertainty and then show selectively to try to mitigate international pressure and try to discredit the complaints of the media and human rights organizations,” the PCIN stated.
This tactic echoes previous cases, including that of Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who was also subjected to forced disappearance. The PCIN points out that the timing of Tercero Castro’s reappearance coincides with the recent release of other Nicaraguan critics, including journalist Leo Carcamo, who was released to house arrest. These releases, often of individuals over 60 years of age, are reportedly occurring without official confirmation from the authorities.
The Broader Context: Nicaragua’s Shrinking Space for Independent Journalism
Nicaragua has faced increasing international scrutiny over its deteriorating human rights record, particularly concerning freedom of the press. Under the Ortega-Murillo administration, independent media outlets have been shut down, journalists have been harassed, imprisoned, and forced into exile, and the space for critical voices has been systematically eroded. This isn’t simply a recent phenomenon; the trend has been escalating for years, with the government increasingly consolidating control over information.
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The case of Fabiola Tercero Castro highlights the precarious situation faced by journalists in Nicaragua. The PCIN emphasizes that simply proving she is alive is insufficient. They are demanding her “immediate, full and unconditional freedom” and an end to the regime’s “tactic of terror against the independent press.”
The international community is watching closely, and the fate of Fabiola Tercero Castro – and countless other Nicaraguan citizens – remains a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom of expression. This story is a critical example of why supporting independent journalism and advocating for press freedom globally is more important than ever. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuous updates on this developing situation and in-depth analysis of the political landscape in Nicaragua.
