Nicaragua Releases Political Prisoners Amidst International Scrutiny

Approximately 40 political critics were released from Nicaraguan prisons on Saturday and put under house arrest. Notable figures like Alejandro Hurtado were among them. Opposition parties, including Unamos, voiced concern over the lack of contact families had with the detainees over months or years.

Nicaraguan authorities have released around 40 political prisoners, according to reports from political activists and Reuters. The released individuals are required to stay under house arrest and check in regularly with the local police, sources have indicated.

Alfredo Gutierrez, a coordinator of the Liberales Nicaragua party, confirmed that Alejandro Hurtado, who had been detained since January as per the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, was among those freed. Meanwhile, Ana Margarita Vijil of the opposition party Unamos noted that their group recognized the release of "about 40 people," adding that many detainees had been out of touch with their families for extended periods.

There has been no immediate response from Rosario Murillo, Nicaragua's co-president, regarding these developments.

(With inputs from agencies.)