Ortega shrugs off global pressure
Published: 03:06 PM,Jun 24,2021 | EDITED : 07:06 PM,Jun 24,2021
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Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega on Wednesday said sanctions would not deter his government and he vowed not to free detained political foes accused of crimes, as international pressure mounted to end a crackdown ahead of a November election.
Ortega’s government has arrested at least 15 political opponents in recent weeks, including five presidential hopefuls, ahead of the presidential vote in which the long-ruling leader will run for a fourth consecutive term.
A journalist and at least two others have also been detained.
“The enemies of the revolution, the enemies of the people, are shouting how is it possible they’re detained, how is it possible they’re imprisoned, how is it possible they’re being prosecuted,” Ortega said in a speech, televised live.
Ortega’s government has arrested at least 15 political opponents in recent weeks, including five presidential hopefuls, ahead of the presidential vote in which the long-ruling leader will run for a fourth consecutive term.
A journalist and at least two others have also been detained.
“The enemies of the revolution, the enemies of the people, are shouting how is it possible they’re detained, how is it possible they’re imprisoned, how is it possible they’re being prosecuted,” Ortega said in a speech, televised live.