DST News: Nicaragua’s government has freed dozens of prisoners amid growing pressure from the Trump administration, though it did not specify how many were released or whether they were political detainees. Officials described the move as part of celebrations marking 19 years of President Daniel Ortega’s rule.

Opposition groups and rights organisations said the releases were driven by US pressure following Washington’s actions against Venezuela and rising scrutiny of Nicaragua’s human rights record. A human rights NGO identified at least 19 people released, including opposition figures and a pastor jailed for criticising the government.

The move comes as left-wing governments in Latin America face increased pressure from the US, with opposition groups calling the releases a result of “political chess moves” linked to regional developments.