U.S. Facilitates Release of 135 Political Prisoners in Nicaragua

The U.S. has secured the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua, who will first go to Guatemala before seeking lawful relocation. This release follows the 200 prisoners freed last year. The prisoners include evangelical members, Catholic laypeople, and students. Guatemala's president welcomed the action.

The United States has successfully facilitated the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua on humanitarian grounds, announced the White House on Thursday. These individuals will initially travel to Guatemala before attempting to seek lawful relocation to the United States or other countries.

Among those released are Nicaraguan citizens associated with the evangelical Mountain Gateway organization, Catholic laypeople, and students, according to a statement from White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan. The release follows the freedom granted to over 200 Nicaraguan political prisoners last year, who were subsequently flown to the United States. At the time, President Daniel Ortega described the action as expelling criminals working against Nicaragua's interests.

The Nicaraguan administration has yet to comment on the most recent release. Guatemala's President Bernardo Arevalo expressed his nation's readiness to offer "international solidarity," a gesture his country had previously benefited from. He warmly welcomed the Nicaraguan arrivals, referring to them as "Nicaraguan brothers" in a statement on X.

(With inputs from agencies.)