Amelia Isabella German Flowersdaughter of the former liberal deputy and political prisoner Maria Fernanda Floresdedicated a few words to her mother in her graduation speech, in which she highlighted the “courage” of the former first lady and her example as a woman “defender of principles and values.”
Alemán Flores, also the daughter of former President Arnoldo Alemán (1997-2002), graduated this Saturday, June 4, from the San Agustín High School in Managua. During the act, the young woman regretted that, on this occasion, her mother “did not have the option” to accompany her and see her fulfill one of her goals.
“Mom, even though you can’t be with me today, I’ve never doubted how proud you are of me. Everything I have achieved today is thanks to you. I have fulfilled all my goals thanks to your love, courage, patience and strength. You are the best gift that God gave me and I hope one day to be the brave woman, warrior, fighter and defender of principles and values in the search for the common good that you are. I love you and we are in this fight together always, “she said.
Maria Fernanda Floreswife of Alemán, is one of the more than 40 opposition leaders arrested at the gates of the 2021 general elections, in which Daniel Ortega emerged as president of the Republic of Nicaragua with his main rivals arrested.
The leader of the Liberal Movement was placed under house arrest since June 21 of the previous year and sentenced to eight years in prison in February 2022 without the right to run for public office, for the alleged crime of conspiring to undermine national integrity.
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The regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo holds more than 180 people captive for political reasonsjudged with laws approved months before the presidential elections and branded as repressive by opponents and human rights organizations.
More than 30 political prisoners are in the Directorate of Judicial Assistance in Managua, known as the “El Nuevo Chipote” torture prison. Relatives of the inmates have warned of the rapid deterioration in the health of their relatives, due to confinement, poor nutrition, isolation, solitary confinement and other violations.
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Various voices have demanded immediate, unconditional and guaranteed freedom for political prisoners. “Until their release occurs, we reiterate that their rights must be respected and their lives and physical and emotional integrity must be protected. The policy of torture and extermination must cease,” the relatives demand.