Nicaragua Releases 135 Political Prisoners on Humanitarian Grounds
New York TimesAug 25
Talks Between US, Nicaragua Lead to Prisoner Release
Above: Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega Image copyright: Jesus Vargas/Stringer /Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The White House has announced that, following negotiations between Nicaragua and the US, Managua released 135 political prisoners on Thursday.
The prisoners have been sent to Guatemala. From there, they may travel to the US or other countries.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This was a diplomatic victory for the US. Ortega's arbitrary arrests and incarceration of members of the opposition and NGOs, and stripping dissidents of their nationality, must cease. No one should have to risk getting arrested for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights.
Establishment-critical narrative
This is far from a diplomatic victory for the US: Through his willingness to release political prisoners while receiving nothing in return, Ortega has shown that his only goal here is to rid his country of traitors. Nicaragua has a right to defend itself from those wishing to do it harm from inside or outside the country.