During the past week, youth and students in Nicaragua organized peaceful protests across the country in response to reforms to the Social Security System. The government of Daniel Ortega responded with disproportionate violence, intimidation, and repression, which was carried out by antiriot police and pro-government supporters. Three people have died, and dozens of students and human rights defenders, including at least nine reporters have been injured, including Ana Quiroz, Director of the Information and Advice Health Services Center (CISAS). The government also took five national television channels off the air to prevent the Nicaraguan people from obtaining information, and many activists fear that the Internet will soon be shut down as well.

The escalation of repression and violence is another harsh blow to democratic norms and the rule of law under the Ortega regime. In July 2016, the Ortega-controlled Supreme Court stripped the main opposition party of its legal registration and the National Electoral Council removed its 26 legislators from the National Assembly for refusing to recognize the removal of their party leader and the appointment of another in his place. In the November 2016 presidential elections, Ortega won a third term in office after running virtually unopposed. Civil society organizations face routine intimidation and harassment by government forces, especially those who are most critical of Ortega.

The World Movement for Democracy strongly condemns all acts of violence and intimidation against peaceful protesters in Nicaragua. Additionally, it calls on Nicaraguan authorities to establish a process of dialogue with civil society organizations and political parties towards the full restoration of the rule of law and democracy in Nicaragua.