Nicaraguan Journalists in Exile: Navigating Statelessness and Upholding Press Freedom

April 15, 2025 – Nicaragua – 

Nicaragua’s escalating repression under President Daniel Ortega has forced numerous journalists into exile, stripping them of citizenship and subjecting them to statelessness. This dire situation has transformed exile into a defining feature of Nicaraguan journalism.

As of September 2023, at least 223 journalists had been exiled, with many facing the added hardship of losing their Nicaraguan nationality, rendering them stateless and unable to access basic services like healthcare, education, or employment. This deliberate targeting of media professionals has decimated the independent press, leaving a significant void in the country’s media landscape.

Despite these challenges, over 26 independent media outlets continue to operate from exile, reaching millions of Nicaraguans through digital platforms. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have highlighted the resilience of these exiled journalists and have called for urgent international support to ensure their survival and continued operation.

International bodies have also taken steps to recognize the efforts of exiled Nicaraguan journalists. For instance, UNESCO awarded its 2025 World Press Freedom Prize to La Prensa, a prominent Nicaraguan newspaper now operating from exile. In response, the Nicaraguan government withdrew from UNESCO, accusing the organization of bias and interference.

The plight of Nicaraguan journalists underscores the critical importance of press freedom and the need for global solidarity in supporting those who risk their lives to inform the public. Their unwavering commitment to truth and justice serves as a beacon of resilience in the face of authoritarianism.

Reference –

https://rsf.org/en/nicaragua-rsf-calls-urgent-international-support-exiled-media-strive-keep-informing-amid-repression

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