The released political prisoner Félix Maradiaga announced this Thursday, June 15, that in the next month he will begin an “advocacy tour” through Europe, with the aim of increasing diplomatic pressure against the government of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo.
In a press release, Maradiaga highlighted that the recent resolution issued by the European Parliament —where they ask the European Union to extend the sanctions against Nicaraguan judges and prosecutors and also include the dictator Daniel Ortega— will be “a relevant instrument in the meetings with the European authorities and the Nicaraguan opposition.
“The resolution of the European Parliament represents a step in the right direction, towards a more forceful position on the part of the European authorities. We hope that this resolution will be heard and taken into account,” he added.
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The working tour of Europe is scheduled to take place from July 17 to 24, starting in Brussels, Belgium. “This tour is part of an international advocacy plan to increase pressure against the dictatorship,” said the former politician.
Félix Maradiaga, who chairs the Fundación para la Libertad, urged the European authorities to “continue pressing and adopting concrete measures to put an end to human rights violations in Nicaragua and to demand the accountability of those responsible for crimes against The humanity”.
«We remain firm in our fight for freedom, justice and respect for human rights in Nicaragua. We appreciate the support of the international community and are confident that together we will achieve significant change in our country,” he continued.
forceful resolution
This Thursday, the European Parliament, in addition to requesting that Ortega be included in the list of those sanctioned by the European Union, demanded that the Sandinista government provide proof of life of the Bishop of Matagalpa, Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, who was last seen in March 2023.
It also demanded that the Ortega Murillo administration immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners, opponents, activists, members of the Catholic Church and journalists “arbitrarily detained, and sometimes imprisoned in unacceptable conditions.”
On the other hand, the MEPs consider that Daniel Ortega must be held accountable before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for the constant violation of the human rights of Nicaraguans, which constitute crimes against humanity; and because he has violated the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
