Dozens were arrested in Nicaragua for allegedly supporting the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The arrests, totaling at least 60, were reported by human rights groups and local media on Friday. Those arrested reportedly celebrated or voiced support for Maduro's capture.
Maduro was apprehended in Caracas last Saturday by U.S. military personnel. He was then transported to New York to face drug and weapons charges. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo are known allies of Maduro.
Human rights groups condemned the arrests as arbitrary. The situation raises concerns about freedom of expression in Nicaragua. No official statement has been released by the Nicaraguan government beyond the arrests themselves.
Ortega and Murillo have maintained a close relationship with Maduro's regime. This alliance solidified Nicaragua's position as a key ally of Venezuela in the region. The U.S. indictment against Maduro details alleged involvement in drug trafficking and weapons dealing.
Further arrests are possible. International organizations are monitoring the situation and calling for due process for those detained. The U.S. government has not commented on the Nicaraguan arrests.
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