The sanctioned head of the Nicaraguan Army, General Julio César Avilés, in the midst of praise for the work carried out by the military institution he directs, took time to attack the independent media calling them “information manipulators and mercenaries.”
“We reiterate our firm willingness to continue working without reservation despite malicious, unfounded, unethical and manipulative accusations of a few information mercenaries, and opinion makers who only want chaos and the destruction of the homeland”, Avilés said at the closing ceremony of the Protection and Safety Plan for the Coffee Harvest 2021-2022 production cycle.
Avilés’ speech follows the same line of attacks directed by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo against the independent press, on whom they have practically declared war.
In the event, in which the sanctioned son of the presidential couple Laureano Ortega also participated, Avilés praised the Army for its work in the remote communities of the country, but remained silent about the massacre perpetrated against indigenous communities, where it has been requested that the military intervene to end the invasion of settlers on their land, which leads to kidnapping and crimes.
Recently, the Mayangna indigenous communities denounced the murder of a defender of communal lands who, after being reported missing, was found dead and with signs of torture after seven days of searching. The community member was known for his principle of defending the lands, his vocation to cultural and western sport recognized internationally among the indigenous peoples of Latin America.
The last time Avilés referred to the situation, he decided to wash his hands, assuring that the regime’s Police is in charge of investigating the events where dozens of murders have been recorded in recent years.
“We have a presence in all areas and you can be sure that the deployment of troops that we have in those remote territories of the mountains are aimed at protecting the entire rural sector. When they talk about the colonists, well, unfortunate situations arise, many times land problems, vendettas; and in any case, it is the National Police that corresponds to that and to the authorities of the Prosecutor’s Office, judicial authorities that have the competence to determine those responsible for criminal acts that occur there and bring them to justice, “justified Avilés.
Related news: They demand the State of Nicaragua intervenes in attacks against indigenous
This March 22, the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) pointed out that the country’s independent journalists face “one of the fiercest dictatorships in Latin American history. We must close ranks to prevent the Nicaraguan regime from continuing to restrict the freedoms of citizens and destroying the rule of law,” said the president of the Miami-based regional organization, Jorge Canahuati.
The organization points out that Daniel Ortega and his repressive apparatus have unleashed “a climate of terror in Nicaragua”, while at the same time demanding that the imprisoned journalists be released.
At least 104 attacks against press freedom occurred in Nicaragua last February, according to Voces del Sur records. In that month, the “judicialization” of journalistic practice, the silence of news sources, as well as the forced exile of Nicaraguan journalists also increased, the organization warned.
