Issue and Opponent: In 2018, Daniel Ortega’s government imposed a de facto state of emergency and prohibited any type of peaceful protest in the county. Thus, the police prohibit all protests in opposition to the Ortega government, which included the singing of the national anthem and the raising of the Nicaraguan flag. However, protests have continued calling to hold the government accountable for its actions and violations of rights outlined in the Nicaraguan constitution. The colors blue and white have been utilized to represent opposition to the Ortega government, and are considered as instruments of terrorism. Officially, the government considers itself a victim of “terrorists” that are threatening national security through protests and manifestations. The government’s repression has left 325 dead and thousands injured. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights urged the government to allow peaceful marches, but the Nicaraguan government chose to ignore these calls from the international community.
Dilemma Action: In efforts to demand justice for victims murdered by the repressive forces of the Ortega government, five women in Leon displayed blue and white balloons, the color of the Nicaraguan flag, outside of their houses. Government officials stated that the blue and white balloons were considered instruments of terror; anyone caught exhibiting these colors has been subject to harassment and arrest. Therefore, these five women were promptly detained by the police.
Outcomes: After their arrest, however, a group of residents camped outside of the police station where the women were being detained to demand information on the detainees. These residents did so risking arrest themselves. In the end, citizen pressure and the ridiculous nature of their “crime” led to the women being released. Daniel Ortega remains in office, however, and his repressive tactics continue to be routinely utilized by the regime.