Update on situation in Nicaragua: 34 confirmed dead, unknown number continue detained

Repression continues in Nicaragua

Photos of seven of the youth killed in Nicaragua during anti-government protests

Human rights groups in Nicaragua have confirmed the death of 34 Nicaraguans in anti-government protests that began on April 18, 2018. The death of 34 protesters in Nicaragua would be the equivalent of 1,785 protesters in the United States.  This explains the outrage in the Central American country at the loss of life and the call for president Daniel Ortega's resignation.

 International human rights organizations have called for investigations into the killings and the Committee to Protect Journalists tweeted about the murder of a journalist and regime efforts to shut down news broadcasts in Nicaragua.

Nicaraguan authorities have cracked down on coverage of the protests and independent media outlets, censoring news broadcasts and blocking TV broadcasts, as multiple journalists have been injured while covering the protests. More: https://t.co/6zvgW6eSp2

— CPJ (@pressfreedom) April 25, 2018

Furthermore, students are being arbitrarily detained, mistreated and tortured according to testimony by some of them who have been released. Additionally there continue to be many who are detained.

RT: “Fueron tres horas de tortura, golpes, patadas, ellos hicieron filas para patearnos”: estudiantes detenidos durantes protestas contra reformas al #INSSNica cuentan el horror que vivieron y advierten que seguirán luchando ➡️ https://t.co/yLW9d9L5nt #SOSNicaragua #Nicaragua pic.twitter.com/gQCuMOeTKD

— La Prensa Nicaragua (@laprensa) April 24, 2018

There continue to be reports in the press of more dead that need to be confirmed. The situation in Nicaragua remains grave. A march for peace is being planned for this Saturday in Managua. #AllEyesOnNicaragua