Nicaragua's Crackdown on NGOs: 1,500 Groups Outlawed

Nicaragua's government, led by President Daniel Ortega, has outlawed 1,500 non-governmental organizations as part of a broader crackdown on civil society. The ban includes the confiscation of assets belonging to mostly religious groups. This move continues a trend of restricting opposition since 2018's anti-government protests.

In a sweeping move, Nicaragua's government outlawed 1,500 non-governmental organizations on Monday, accusing them of legal violations. The crackdown, led by President Daniel Ortega, targets groups viewed as hostile to his administration.

Published in the official government gazette, the decree includes the state's confiscation of assets from these mostly religious organizations. The interior ministry claims these groups failed to meet financial disclosure obligations, including transparency regarding donations.

Ortega's administration has intensified its efforts to control civil society and the Catholic Church since protests erupted in 2018. Over 5,000 groups, private universities, and media outlets have been shuttered, with opposition parties banned and dissenters jailed or exiled.

(With inputs from agencies.)