The Guatemalan government reported that six of the 135 former Nicaraguan political prisoners released last week “They have expressed their interest in seeking refuge” in the Central American country that welcomed them.
Through Santiago Palomo, Secretary of Communications of the Presidency, he also reported that all of them were granted ordinary migratory status for 90 days to remain in Guatemalan territory.
The official also told the press that in addition to providing support for their cases, they have been placed in different hotels in the capital city. In addition, they have been given a cell phone and an email address so that they can locate and be located by their relatives or acquaintances.
“They are in good spirits and continue to receive medical and psychosocial assistance, in general terms. As the foreign minister stated last week, we are pleased to report that they are in good health,” the official added.
Palomo reiterated that the reception of this group of former political prisoners is “an act of humanity and solidarity, but also a response to a firm commitment to the defense of democracy, freedom and respect for human rights” on the part of the Guatemalan government.
Last Thursday, with the US support and Guatemala, Nicaragua frees 135 former political prisonersincluding missionaries from the Texas-based Mountain Gateway organization, lay Catholics and human rights defenders.
There were no exchanges, says the US
The U.S. government reiterated on Monday that “there were no exchanges or concessions” to Nicaragua in exchange for the release of political prisoners, according to Eric Jacobstein, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central America in the Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Jacobstein said that the US is “constantly exerting pressure, both publicly and privately,” on Daniel Ortega’s government, and that they “made their own decision to release these people.”
Although he did not specify whether any of those released would already be seeking refugee resettlement in the United States, he assured that they will have the opportunity to seek this and other legal immigration avenues.
“The idea is that they will be in Guatemala for as short a period of time as possible,” he said.
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