International
The UN denounces a serious repressive climate in Nicaragua, with arbitrary arrests and expulsions
The political situation in Nicaragua “continues to deteriorate” and “a serious repressive climate” reigns in the country, the UN Office for Human Rights said on Monday, recalling that since February 2023 at least 546 Nicaraguans have been stripped of their nationality and currently 76 people are still arbitrarily detained.
In addition, in recent months, the authorities have promoted reforms “aimed at concentrating more power in the Presidency and criminalizing dissident voices,” stressed the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada Al-Nashif, in an update on the situation in the country presented at an intersession meeting of the Human Rights Council.
Of the 546 Nicaraguans who have been deprived of their nationality and expelled, 135 of them in September, Al-Nashif recalled that “they have been in precarious conditions abroad” and many are stateless, their assets being confiscated.
Others are not able to establish their Nicaraguan nationality since the Government refuses to renew their passports or send documentation when they are abroad, “erasing their legal identity and preventing connections with their homeland,” stressed the “number two” of the UN human rights office.
Arbitrary arrests
Regarding arbitrary arrests, Al-Nashif stressed that political opponents, religious and indigenous leaders and human rights defenders continue to be victims of this abusive instrument.
“In the last days of November, at least 30 people were arbitrarily detained, including three children,” said the deputy high commissioner.
He added that the UN Human Rights Office has received information that “reveals a consistent pattern of due process violations, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, terrible detention conditions and physical and psychological torture, including sleep deprivation and denial of medical care.”
Al-Nashif mentioned some individual cases of abuse victims such as Angélica Chavarría, whereabouts since May 2024 and partner of retired General Humberto Ortega, who died in September when he was deprived of liberty.
He also cited the case of indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera and former presidential adselor on indigenous affairs Steadman Fagoth, who also disappeared.
“We urge the immediate release of all persons arbitrarily deprived of their liberty, including those detained for exercising their rights to free expression and assembly,” stressed Al-Nashif, who also called for an end to enforced disappearances and cases of torture and mistreatment.
Worrying reforms
Regarding the legal reforms that concern the office, Al-Nashif cited those that recently expanded the powers of the State to prosecute even alleged crimes committed outside Nicaragua.
These types of laws, which include activities on social networks, which according to the authorities could “induce panic” or threaten “social stability,” pave the way “to more political persecution and erosion of fundamental rights,” he stressed.
Al-Nashif also mentioned the constitutional reforms in the process of parliamentary review and that, if they come into force, “will further erode the rule of law” with “ambiguous texts to restrict freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly.”
The human rights crisis in Nicaragua “is deepening,” concluded Al-Nashif, who stressed that “it is in the interest of the Government and the Nicaraguan people to return to a democratic path and maintain a constructive dialogue to that end.”
International
Ex-Pemex director linked to Odebrecht scandal detained in Texas, faces trial in Mexico
Carlos Treviño Medina, former director of Mexico’s state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) between 2017 and 2018—during the final year of President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration—has been detained in the United States and will be deported to Mexico to face corruption charges, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Thursday.
“He was detained in the U.S., an ex-director of Pemex who was already on alert lists. He will be deported and will face trial here in Mexico for corruption-related matters,” Sheinbaum told reporters during her morning press conference.
Shortly after, Sheinbaum confirmed that the detainee is Treviño Medina, who is accused of receiving bribes in connection with the Odebrecht scandal, “among other things.” She added: “We should ask the Attorney General’s Office exactly what the charges are. What I can say is that it is related to a complaint filed by Emilio Lozoya,” a former Pemex official also implicated in the Odebrecht corruption case.
Later in the day, Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office (FGR) stated in a press release that Treviño Medina was arrested on August 12 in Dallas, Texas, by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which currently holds him in custody while deportation proceedings move forward.
The FGR noted that Treviño Medina is subject to an active arrest warrant in Mexico on charges of criminal association and money laundering.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government said that ICE detained Treviño Medina for overstaying his visa by nearly three years.
International
Residente to perform free concert at Mexico City’s Zócalo on september 6
Mexico City’s head of government, Clara Brugada, announced on Saturday that Puerto Rican musician Residente will perform a free concert at the capital’s Zócalo on September 6.
“I have great news for you! On Saturday, September 6, at 8:00 p.m., Residente will perform. It’s a song to freedom and Latin American resistance,” Brugada said in a video posted on X.
According to the Mexico City Ministry of Culture, Residente will take the stage “with lyrics loaded with social messages and rhythms that have marked generations.” The singer, who has already held free concerts at the Zócalo, also shared the announcement on his social media, emphasizing the historic significance of the venue.
“I don’t take this for granted, I know where I’m performing—it’s a special place (…) It’s where the flag of a free Mexico was first woven, and that’s what I want for my own country as well. (…) I don’t know how much longer I’ll keep performing, but what I do know is that I want to enjoy this day to the fullest with all of you,” he wrote on Instagram.
With over 20 years of career, René Pérez Joglar—better known as Residente—is recognized as a rapper, songwriter, and music producer, as well as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the group Calle 13. His lyrics have long stood out for their political and social content.
The Zócalo show will open with a performance by the female collective Mujer en Cypher, featuring Arianna Puello, Ximbo, Niña Dios, Prania Esponda, Azuki, and Mena, according to the Ministry of Culture.
International
Trump and Putin end Alaska summit without Ukraine peace agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped up their summit in Alaska on Friday with a brief joint press conference, during which they announced no agreement on peace in Ukraine.
Trump described the more than three-hour meeting with Putin and his delegation at Elmendorf-Richardson base as “extremely productive,” but admitted, “we have not reached the goal.”
“Many points were agreed upon. Only a few remain unresolved. Some are not significant. One is probably the most significant, but we have a good chance of resolving them. We haven’t gotten there yet, but we have a good chance of achieving it,” Trump stated cryptically at the no-questions press conference.
According to White House officials, the summit began around 11:30 a.m. local time (7:30 p.m. GMT).
Trump was joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy for the Middle East and Kremlin mediator Steve Witkoff. On Putin’s side, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov were in attendance.
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