Congressman Sires’ Bipartisan Nicaragua Resolution Passes the House Foreign Affairs Committee

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, H.Res.754, a bipartisan resolution introduced by Chairman Albio Sires (D-NJ) and Ranking Member Francis Rooney (R-FL) to support human rights in Nicaragua and condemn the abuses of the Ortega government, was unanimously passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“This resolution highlights the severe human rights violations carried out by the Ortega government in Nicaragua and conveys bipartisan support for the people of Nicaragua, as they seek to reclaim their fundamental rights,” said Congressman Sires.

According to international human rights groups, Nicaraguan security forces killed over 300 protesters and arbitrarily imprisoned and tortured hundreds of others last year, yet there has been no accountability for these crimes. Today, the abuses against dissidents and peaceful protesters continue and there remain over 150 political prisoners in Nicaragua. A recent report from Nicaraguan civil society organizations detailed the torture and abuses suffered by 56 political prisoners in Nicaragua, including sexual abuse, suffocation with plastic bags, and electric shocks.

“Today’s action shows that the United States Congress fully supports the Nicaraguan people, who are demanding accountability in the face of Ortega’s brutal repression. It calls for tangible steps from the Nicaraguan government, including the immediate release of all political prisoners and the implementation of electoral reforms that Nicaraguan civil society organizations have long called for. And it calls on the U.S. Government and international community to increase economic and political pressure on the Ortega government. I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting this resolution.”

H.Res.754 now awaits further action on the House floor.