The Nicaraguan government released dozens of people after the United States embassy in Managua advocated for the release of political prisoners, according to an official statement released this Saturday (January 10, 2026).

The Washington diplomatic mission in Managua stated on Friday in a message in the Social media outlet X reported that while Venezuela has released "a large number of political prisoners," in Nicaragua "more than 60 people" remained "unjustly detained." On the pro-government website 19 Digital, the Nicaraguan government announced that "on the 19th anniversary" of Daniel Ortega's rise to power, "dozens of people who had been in the national prison system returned to their homes and families." Photographs and videos disseminated by state media show several detainees signing their release documents in front of police officers and embracing family members who were summoned to welcome them after their release. "This activity is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to reconciliation, peace, and the right of all to respectful and peaceful family and community life," the Nicaraguan government stated in its press release. In their brief statement, Nicaraguan authorities did not identify those released or the circumstances of their arrest. The announcement comes a week after the United States ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation. Maduro is imprisoned in the United States awaiting trial, along with his wife, Cilia Flores. (mn/afp, efe)