The United States has secured the release of 135 political prisoners in Nicaragua on humanitarian grounds, the White House said Thursday, adding that they will go to Guatemala before attempting to legally resettle in the United States or other countries.
The release comes after “months of negotiations between the United States and Nicaragua,” the United States and Guatemala said in a joint statement.
Those freed are all Nicaraguan citizens, according to the White House, and include members of an evangelical Christian organization, lay Catholics and students.
Last year, more than 200 Nicaraguan political prisoners were released and flown to the United States. At the time, President Daniel Ortega — who has launched a crackdown on dissent in recent years — described the releases as an effort to oust criminals who were working to harm Nicaragua.
Initially, his government did not comment on the latest version.
The plane carrying the Nicaraguans arrived in Guatemala on Thursday morning, according to the office of Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo.
The released individuals will remain in Guatemala, where they will have the opportunity to legally request to travel to another country. The United States has provided transportation as well as food and shelter, the statement with Guatemala said.
Source: Terra
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