Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the release of 222 political prisoners by the Nicaraguan government with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Denis Moncada.
Their discussion centered on the significance of productive communication between the United States and Nicaragua to create a brighter future for the Nicaraguan population, according to a State Department release issued Feb. 10.
“Following the release of 222 Nicaraguan political prisoners yesterday, today I spoke with Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Moncada about the importance of constructive dialogue toward building a better future for the Nicaraguan people,” Blinken said in a post on Twitter.
By releasing those individuals, who included a U.S. citizen, the Nicaraguan government made a constructive step toward addressing human rights abuses in the country, according to a Feb. 9 news release. Blinken said that opened the door to additional dialogue between the two countries regarding issues of concern. This development resulted from concerted American diplomacy in the continued support for the Nicaraguan people.
Among those freed from detention by the Nicaraguan government were political and business figures, journalists, civil society advocates and students, according to the release. Upon their release from custody, the U.S. ensured their secure transfer to Dulles International Airport. The released individuals were receiving medical and legal assistance to facilitate their arrival in the United States.
