Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has sworn in 30,000 hooded civilians as a volunteer police force, raising alarm about potential political repression amid ongoing human rights abuses and sanctions against his regime.
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, currently facing sanctions due to alleged human rights violations, has recently inaugurated a force of 30,000 masked civilians designated as a “volunteer police” unit. This initiative has raised significant concerns among opposition groups, who fear it will serve as an instrument for political repression.
The new recruits, attired in white T-shirts and black pants, displayed their allegiance during a ceremony held late Wednesday in Managua. Their ski masks concealed all facial features except their eyes, which has been interpreted as a symbol of intimidation and secrecy. Both President Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, who also acts as co-president, oversaw the event, adding to the atmosphere of unease surrounding this development.
In summary, Daniel Ortega’s swearing-in of a 30,000-strong hooded volunteer police force has intensified fears of political repression in Nicaragua. This move, coupled with Ortega’s ongoing human rights abuses, underscores the alarming political climate in the country, raising questions about the implications for civil liberties and opposition rights in the region.
Original Source: www.news-graphic.com
