FL S0546

Condemns the oppression of the Nicaraguan people under President Daniel Ortega's governance.

Criticizes Ortega's consolidation of power through constitutional amendments in January 2014 that abolished presidential term limits and granted the president sole power to appoint military and police commanders.

Documents alleged human rights abuses committed during Ortega's 2018 violent crackdown on unarmed protesters, including beatings, rape, waterboarding, electric shock, and other torture methods.

Details suppression of civil liberties including targeting of independent media, criminal charges against journalists, cancellation of nine civil society organizations' legal registrations, and expulsion of foreign journalists and human rights monitors.

Compares Ortega's authoritarian governance to that of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, noting manipulation of elections, elimination of governmental checks and balances, and suppression of opposition leaders.