Nicaragua Parliament Shutters 24 NGOs
Umer Jamshaid Published July 29, 2021 | 10:00 AM
Managua, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Jul, 2021 ) :Nicaragua's parliament on Wednesday shuttered 24 non-governmental organizations, operating mainly in the medical field, in a move they said amounted to reprisal for criticizing the government's management of the coronavirus pandemic.
The measure, at the request of the government, was adopted by 70 'yes' votes to 16 against, and will see the associations' assets become "state property," according to the resolution put before lawmakers.
The government of President Daniel Ortega has clamped down on opponents in recent weeks, ahead of elections in November, arresting 29 people including seven presidential hopefuls and other opposition figures.
"There is no desire to persecute or harm any NGO -- it is simply the law being applied," lawmaker Wilfredo Navarro told Wednesday's session.
The NGOs shuttered had helped people with a variety of health problems, from kidney failure or diabetes to pain relief and menopause.
Health workers decried the move, saying in a statement that it was an attempt by the government to "silence accusations of poor management of the pandemic and health care.
" Nicaragua, one of few countries to not have applied any virus containment measures, has officially reported 9,651 Covid-19 cases and 194 deaths, but experts and observers say the numbers are much higher.
The Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (CENIDH) said Wednesday's parliamentary vote amounted to a violation of the right to free association.
In 2018, in the midst of widespread anti-government protests, parliament stripped 10 other NGOs, including CENIDH, of their legal status for alleged "terrorist" activities.
Ortega, 75, will be the ruling Sandinista National Liberation Front's candidate in the November election, an ally has announced.
The president accuses those arrested in a series of house and nighttime raids since June 2 of seeking to overthrow him with US backing.
The detainees face charges of threatening Nicaragua's sovereignty under a law passed last December to bar "those who ask for, celebrate and applaud the imposition of sanctions against the Nicaraguan state" from seeking public office.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PSX gains 771 points
PITB HR Wing organizes Eid Milan celebration for children at PITB Day Care Cente ..
Cabinet briefed on progress of PIA privatization
Meeting held to streamline trade between Pak-Afghan , Central Asian Republics
SONY x TECNO - is this for real?
Progress of Aaghosh, Bunyad, Khud Mukhtar programs discussed
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
7 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
7 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago