Nicaragua's Police Raid Offices Of Several Independent Media Outlets - Reports

MEXICO CITY (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th December, 2018) Nicaragua's police have searched the editorial offices of several independent media outlets, journalist Carlos Fernando Chamorro, who heads three such media outlets, said.

"I would like to say that media outlet Confidencial [weekly], Esta Noche and Esta Semana [TV programs], which I am at the helm of, have faced a harsh attack by police. Dozens of police officers arrived in our offices saying that they were investigating into an assault on a non-governmental organization Cinco," Chamorro said in a video address published on YouTube.

Chamorro added his media outlets were not connected with the NGO.

"The police left. A half an hour later they returned. They broke our doors and stormed the editorial office. They have taken all personal and work documents and computers with them," Chamorro continued.

The journalist argued that the actions of the law enforcement actions had been aimed at restricting media freedom and "gag Nicaraguans as far as the freedom of press and expression is concerned."

Chamorro also accused Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega of infringing on media freedom and turning police into a "criminal organization."

Independent media outlets have recently been facing what the opponents of Ortega call a crackdown on dissent. Earlier this year, several broadcasters have been suspended by media watchdog TELCOR.

Moreover, journalist rights groups have repeatedly pointed to detentions of independent journalists by the authorities and threats voiced against them in Nicaragua.