Exiled Nicaraguan journalist Lucía Pineda, who had his nationality taken away and assets confiscated by the Ortega government, has highlighted the challenges faced by independent journalists in Nicaragua. Pineda described the situation for journalists in Nicaragua as hell, as the government led by Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, exert heavy repression on dissenting voices.
The repression and control exercised by the Nicaraguan State have led to a significant decrease in the number of journalists reporting on the ongoing sociopolitical crisis in Nicaragua since April 2018. Many journalists have been forced into exile in countries like Costa Rica, the United States, or Spain, where the high cost of living makes it difficult for them to sustain themselves solely through their journalistic work.
Veteran exiled Nicaraguan journalist Sergio Marín also emphasized the worsening situation of press freedom in Nicaragua, noting the brutal aggression inflicted by the Ortega regime on journalists and media outlets. Marín criticized the government’s efforts to control the media and narrative, comparing it to the North Korean model of media control. Despite these challenges, Marín expressed confidence in the resilience of independent media in Nicaragua.
The Foundation for Freedom of Expression and Democracy (FLED) has raised concerns about the impact of government repression and financial difficulties on Nicaraguan journalists, leading many to abandon journalistic practice. The organization also highlighted the threat to generational change in journalism in Nicaragua due to fear surrounding the profession and a lack of quality journalism schools.
Despite the challenges and threats faced by journalists in Nicaragua, many continue to persevere in their efforts to report on the ongoing crisis in the country. They remain committed to providing credible and quality journalism to the people of Nicaragua, even in the face of government censorship and repression.