Fifth Presidential Hopeful Arrested In Nicaragua
Umer Jamshaid Published June 21, 2021 | 01:50 PM
Managua, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Jun, 2021 ) :A fifth would-be candidate for the Nicaraguan presidency was detained Sunday, police said, part of a mounting crackdown by President Daniel Ortega ahead of elections this year.
Miguel Mora, a journalist, was arrested at his home Sunday night for "inciting foreign interference in internal affairs and requesting military intervention," according to authorities.
Authorities have arrested seventeen opposition figures this month, including four other potential presidential candidates, eliciting international condemnation and fresh US sanctions.
The government has claimed the detainees are "usurpers" funded by the United States to topple Ortega.
The 75-year-old governed Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990, returned to power in 2007 and has won two successive re-elections since then.
He is widely expected to seek a fourth term in upcoming elections in November, though he has not yet confirmed that he will.
Arrests of possible challengers began on June 2 when Cristiana Chamorro, the daughter of former president Violeta Barrios de Chamorro and a presidential hopeful, was placed under house arrest.
Also detained are former diplomat Arturo Cruz, political scientist Felix Maradiaga and economist Juan Sebastian Chamorro Garcia.
Mora was director of the now-closed down 100% Noticias television channel.
He was previously detained in 2018 as part of a crackdown on widespread anti-government protests which saw hundreds arrested and left 325 dead.
He was released six months later as part of a prisoner amnesty.
The charges against those detained this month stem from a law approved by parliament in December purporting to defend Nicaragua's "sovereignty", which has been criticized by opponents and rights bodies as a means of freezing out challengers.
Last month, Nicaragua's legislature appointed a majority of governing party-aligned magistrates to the election body that will oversee November's vote.
It has since disqualified two parties from participating -- including the party for which Mora was a pre-candidate.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Interior Minister arrives in Peshawar after Shangla suicide attack
OPPO Reno 11 F 5G: Setting New Records as Pakistan's Most Beloved Smartphone Lin ..
PCB dismisses FICA's claims of unpaid dues in PSL
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 28 March 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 28 March 2024
Niger says US to submit plan to 'disengage' troops
Venezuelan opposition registers unknown poll contender after obstacles
Van Aert breaks collarbone, ribs in Flanders fall
Russian attacks kill three as Ukraine calls for more air defence
Climate change is messing with how we measure time: study
Minister discusses bilateral issues with Turkiye Ambassador
Urdu poet Safiya Shamim remembered on birth anniversary
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Shaheed Jalil Andrabi remembered on his martyrdom anniversary
23 hours ago -
Architectural grandeur of Mohabat Khan Mosque attracts visitors, archeology lovers
1 day ago -
Besant Hall cultural centre to hold programme in memory Pir Hassam din Rashdi
3 days ago -
USA beats Mexico 2-0 for CONCACAF Nations League title
3 days ago -
World urged to intervene for peace in Kashmir
4 days ago -
Undeterred resolve – only way to end economic woes
4 days ago
-
Organic Food: A booming trend in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
4 days ago -
From Soil to Harvest: Use of modern technology vital for agricultural renaissance
4 days ago -
Spring season offers glimpse into GB's natural beauty, cultural heritage
4 days ago -
Nation to mark decades’ long journey of resilience through annals of history
6 days ago -
23rd March: A historic day reminds Muslims’ heroic struggle for Pakistan
6 days ago -
Measures urged to recharge depleting water table: Experts
6 days ago