The Government of Nicaragua suppresses dissent and freedom of expression in universities

The Government of Nicaragua is systematically attacking the country’s university sector in a repressive campaign aimed at suppressing dissent and freedom of expression, stated this Friday a group of United Nations experts.

The Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua* has documented in a new reportextensive human rights violations against students, teachers and other university staff.

These include, among others, violations of the rights to life and personal integrity, to education and academic freedom, to freedom of opinion and expression, to freedom of movement and to nationality. According to the Group, some of these violations constitute, in turn, the crimes against humanity of murder, imprisonment, torture, deportation and persecution for political reasons.

The 96-page document indicates that the authorities have used physical and psychological violence, including threats, intimidation, beatings and prolonged isolation – which in some cases could amount to torture– against students and teachers, especially those arbitrarily detained, for having participated in the 2018 protests or for publicly criticizing the Government.

Coordination of the powers of the State

Another conclusion points to the existence of “coordination between the executive, legislative and judicial powers” ​​to commit violations of the rights of students and university staff.

“The Nicaraguan Government has directly attacked universities as part of a generalized repressive campaign, eliminating their autonomy and turning them into centers of political control,” stated the president of the Group.

Jan Simon highlighted that the academic community “deserve safe and free spaces to express ideas and contribute to the social development of the countryand these rights must be urgently restored.” He added that, with these actions, the Government “is mortgaging the future of the country.”

Closing of universities and expulsion of students and teachers

The report highlights the closure of multiple universities in which social or opposition movements to the Government had been allowed, and the arbitrary expulsion of students and professors critical of the authorities.

In the universities that were not closed, the Government has instituted political control measuresimposing restrictions on academic and research freedom and limiting access to education for people perceived as opponents, the document indicates. These actions reflect a pattern of violence and repression designed to stifle any voice of resistance, even within the university environment, traditionally a space of freedom and debate.

According to the document, which includes a list of 40 universities whose legal personality was canceled or whose legal nature was modified, there are no longer independent university institutions.

Appeal to the international community

The Group of Experts made a call to the international community to urge the Nicaraguan State to restore university autonomy and guarantee security and freedom of expression in the academic field.

“International action is urgently needed to protect the integrity of the students, teachers and professionals of the university sector in Nicaragua,” said Simon.

* He Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua It is an independent body with a mandate from Human Rights Council of the UN. Created in March 2022, it has the mission of carrying out thorough and independent investigations into alleged human rights violations and abuses committed in Nicaragua since April 2018.