Freedom of Expression
Press Release R212/19
Nicaragua: Must stop
reprisals against journalists, say human rights experts
August 26, 2019
Washington D.C., Ginebra – The Nicaraguan Government
must stop reprisals against staff of the broadcaster Radio Dario and end
repression of other media workers, say UN and Inter- American human rights
experts* .
"There are indications of ongoing systematic
repression of the media, with journalists being silenced, assaulted and
threatened with death," the experts said.
Repression and violence against the media and human rights
defenders have increased considerably since April 2018. The Experts are alarmed
at the impact of this on freedom of expression and the closure of civic space
at a critical time for Nicaraguan society.
Radio Dario workers in Leon have been the victims of
harassment, threats, arbitrary detentions and acts of violence. Their
facilities have been raided and attacked by pro-Government elements, causing
serious damage and impeding their work. Some, in fear of their lives, have even
left the country.
"Attacks on journalists violate the right of
individuals and society at large to seek and receive information. In an
unstable context, such as that of Nicaragua, the work of the media is of paramount
importance in strengthening civic space," the experts said.
"We are also concerned about the campaigns of
intimidation and de-legitimisation of the media in which media workers are
accused of being enemies of the homeland. This is a clear attempt to dissuade
members of the public from using their voice, and an effort to persuade society
to lose confidence in the media."
The experts have expressed concern not only about the
Radio Dario staff but also about the situation of journalists and human rights
defenders elsewhere in the country.
"We fear that the situation of Radio Dario workers is
just one of the many cases of repression in Nicaragua. We are concerned that
other local media will not dare to denounce it for fear of reprisals," the
experts concluded.
(*) The experts: Mr. Michel Forst (France), Special Rapporteur
on the situation of human rights defenders; Mr. David Kaye (USA), Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion
and expression; Mr. Clement Nyaletsossi Voule (Togo), Special Rapporteur on the
right to peaceful assembly and association; Ms Agnes Callamard (France),
Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; and Ms
Leigh Toomey (Australia), Vice-chair of the Working Group on Arbitrary
Detention.
The Special Rapporteurs and the Working Groups are
part of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures,
the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the
general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring
mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues
in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary
basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They
are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual
capacity.
Mr. Edison Lanza is the IACHR Special Rapporteur for
Freedom of Expression. The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of
Expression was created by the IACHR to encourage the defence of the right to freedom
of thought and expression in the hemisphere, given the fundamental role this
right plays in consolidating and developing the democratic system.
R212/19