In a statement released on Saturday, the Department of State revealed U.S. citizen Eddy Montes, 57, died while in prison in Nicaragua.
“We vehemently condemn the killing of Mr. Montes. His death, the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians at the hands of [Nicaraguan President Daniel] Ortegaâs security and parapolice forces, and the continued detention of hundreds more political prisoners demonstrate the regimeâs utter disregard for human life and democratic freedoms,” spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said.
“We call for an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation of Montesâ death. We reiterate our call for the unconditional release of all political prisoners. The United States will hold accountable the Ortega regime and Nicaraguan security forces involved in human rights abuses and violations,” she said.
According to the State Department, there are more than 500 political prisoners in jail under Ortega’s leadership.
“The U.S. government continues to stand with the Nicaraguan people in their ongoing struggle to restore respect for human rights and democratic governance in their country,” Ortagus said.
The Asociated Press reports Montes was a dual citizen of the U.S. and Nicaragua who had served in the U.S. Navy. He had returned to the country to protest for reform.
Nicaraguan authorities accused the inmates of causing “a serious disturbance.” Attorney Yonarqui MartÃnez said Montes was shot in the back.
Kevin Sullivan, U.S. ambassador to Nicaragua, said there needs to be a full investigation into Montes’ death.
They deserve a comprehensive and credible account of this unjustifiable use of lethal force against an unarmed political prisoner.
— Kevin K. Sullivan (@USAmbNicaragua) May 17, 2019
“I met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs today to demand a full and transparent investigation of this tragic incident in which other prisoners were also injured. All political prisoners should be released as soon as possible to prevent further suffering and injustice,” Sullivan said.
