UN experts allege Nicaragua's leaders may have committed crimes against humanity

Nicaragua's government faces allegations of human rights abuses, with UN experts citing reasonable grounds to believe crimes against humanity have occurred. The country's leaders, Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, have established a dictatorship, according to experts. Arbitrary detentions and forced disappearances are among the documented actions.

The UN expert group has investigated allegations since April 2018, despite the Nicaraguan government's denials. The group's chair, Jan-Michael Simon, described the regime as a full dictatorship with a goal of permanent dynastic rule. Ortega has stated that Nicaragua will never hold elections again, sparking international concern.

The Nicaraguan government has responded by accusing the Human Rights Council of being manipulated and obsolete. The US does not recognize Ortega's presidency, and hundreds have been killed or imprisoned since mass protests in 2018. At least 452 Nicaraguans have been declared traitors and stripped of their citizenship since February 2023.