The Facts

• Following negotiations with the Nicaraguan government, the US successfully obtained the release of several political prisoners Thursday. The White House announced that Nicaragua had released 135 prisoners from jail on humanitarian grounds.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 prisoners have been sent to Guatemala. From there, they may travel to the US or other countries.

• Nicaraguan Pres. Daniel Ortega's government has since 2018 reportedly cracked down on its opposition and exiled many opposition members. The Nicaraguan government has also shut down over 5K NGOs, private universities, and civil society organizations. The government has detained priests and pastors, sometimes arresting them during Mass.Since anti-government protests in 2018, Nicaragua has reportedly exiled and detained many opposition members and critics, including priests and pastors. It has also reportedly shut down over 5K non-governmental organizations, private universities, and civil society organizations.