Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2023
343. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the recent imprisonment of a person (details supplied) who has been sentenced to 26 years in prison by the dictatorial government of Nicaragua; if he will use his office to have the matter raised at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8393/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI remain gravely concerned by the situation in Nicaragua. The continued human rights violations, crackdowns on opposition voices, on civil society and on independent media, together with backsliding on democratic norms, are unacceptable.
Ireland and the EU have used all channels of engagement available to call on the Nicaraguan authorities to put an end to repression and to restore full respect for human rights in Nicaragua. This would include the return of international human rights bodies and NGOs to Nicaragua, as well as the ending of political persecution and the imprisonment of political opponents.
While Ireland and the EU welcomed the recent release of political prisoners from Nicaragua, we have also noted that they should never have been detained: Ireland and the EU have condemned the decision to strip them of their Nicaraguan citizenship and of their civil and political rights. We have stated that this release must now be followed by dialogue and further actions on the part of the Nicaraguan authorities.
I wish to assure the Deputy that I and my Department, including through the Embassy of Ireland in Mexico and together with EU Member States and the External Action Service, are closely monitoring the detention of the individual under reference and continue to call for his immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all other remaining political prisoners. This forms part of our continued work to support the people of Nicaragua however possible, through our engagement in Dublin, at EU level, and on the ground.
