The Nicaraguan National Assembly has approved the cancellation of another 100 NGOs for “failing to comply” with their obligations under national law in the framework of a repressive campaign by the Government of Daniel Ortega.
The Assembly approved a law in April that tightens the Government’s control over NGOs, after in recent months the Executive of Daniel Ortega has ordered the closure of independent organizations by appealing to alleged formal irregularities.
The General Law for the Regulation and Control of Non-Profit Organizations leaves NGOs at the mercy of the Ministry of the Interior, which has the power to introduce the operating requirements of the organizations and, by extension, the withdrawal of permits.
Specifically, the cancellation decree, approved by 75 votes in favor, 16 abstentions and zero votes against, was presented by deputy Filiberto Rodríguez on July 6, as reported by the Article 66 news portal.
official control
The ruling party controls the National Assembly, thanks to which it has managed to pass laws tailored to the criteria of the Government of Daniel Ortega. Both the internal opposition and international organizations have warned of the growing pressure on independent entities, although the authorities have justified the closure of NGOs and universities by virtue of administrative arguments.
On the other hand, the Government of Nicaragua has dismissed Duilio José Hernández as ambassador of Costa Rica after three years in office and has appointed Valdrack Jaentschke, Minister Counselor in the country, in his place.
“Annul the appointment of comrade Duilio José Hernández Avilés to the position of extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua to the Government of the Republic of Costa Rica,” the official newspaper ‘La Gaceta’ has published.
According to different Nicaraguan media, Hernández Avilés submitted his resignation on July 7, although his reasons are unknown. In fact, the Executive had already tried to force Hernández’s withdrawal in 2019 to send him to Turkey, as reported by the newspaper ‘La Prensa’.
