No Concessions in U.S. Efforts to Release Nicaraguan Political Prisoners

The U.S. stated that it made no concessions to Nicaragua for the release of over 100 political prisoners. Deputy Assistant Secretary Eric Jacobstein emphasized that the Nicaraguan regime continues to hold citizens for political reasons, urging their release. The freed prisoners are now in Guatemala seeking asylum elsewhere.

An official confirmed on Monday that the United States did not provide any concessions to Nicaragua in exchange for the recent release of over 100 political prisoners.

During a press conference, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Eric Jacobstein, asserted, "There were no exchanges or concessions made." Jacobstein highlighted that the administration of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega continues to detain citizens for political reasons and called on the leader to release them.

He did not disclose the total number of political prisoners the U.S. believes remain in Nicaraguan custody. Last week, the United States secured the release of 135 political prisoners from Nicaragua, relocating them to Guatemala as they await asylum applications to other countries.

In recent years, Ortega's government has frequently exiled individuals perceived as antagonistic to the administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)