SPEECH BY COMPAÑERO DENIS MONCADA COLINDRES, IN THE EXTRAORDINARY SESSION
OF THE PERMANENT COUNCIL OF THE OAS, JULY 11th, 2018
Mrs. Ambassador Rita Hernández, President of the Permanent Council of the OAS.
Mr. Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the OAS.
Mr. Paulo Abráo, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
Permanent and Alternate Representatives and Observers of the Permanent Missions to the OAS.
Nicaragua wishes to reaffirm to this Permanent Council of the OAS, its sustained commitment to the respect and protection of the human rights of all Nicaraguans and the people of other States that reside or transit through our country.
The Political Constitution of Nicaragua recognizes and guarantees fundamental rights in its Article 46 which states:
"In the National Territory, the State will provide protection and recognition of the inherent rights of all persons; the unrestricted respect, promotion and protection of all Human Rights, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man; the United Nations´ International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the Interamerican Convention on Human Rights of the Organization of American States."
The Government of Nicaragua will continue to comply with the international commitments of the State in the matter of Human Rights, in a joint effort between government and citizens, contributing to restore the recognized security, stability and peace that Nicaragua enjoyed before the painful events of April 18th.
Currently, the Nicaraguan people have suffered the attacks of both internal and external terrorists and political groups, in collusion with international organized crime, aimed at carrying out a coup d'état and overthrowing the legitimate Government of President Daniel Ortega, democratically elected according to the Political Constitution of Nicaragua and the laws of the country.
We take note of the presentation of the report on the Installation of the Special Follow-up Mechanism for Nicaragua (MESENI) and the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI).
On May 30th, we signed an agreement with the General Secretariat of the OAS and the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR for the creation of the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI), with the purpose of supporting and assisting in the investigations initiated by the State for the clarification of the acts of violence that occurred from April 18th to May 30th of the current year.
We officially welcomed the members of the Group of Experts on July 2nd, and the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR announced its official installation on July 3rd in Managua.
In accordance with the Agreement for the creation of the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts, we are currently in the process of agreeing on a protocol and framework of collaboration, to implement and comply with said agreement, based on the Rule of Law and respecting the sovereignty of Nicaragua.
On the first week of July, the technical team of the Follow-up Mechanism arrived in Nicaragua to provide support and assistance to the Verification and Security Commission of the National Dialogue, as well as the Delegation of the General Secretariat of the OAS.
During their stay in Nicaragua, coordinations were made with state institutions in order for the MESENI technical team to travel and visit detention centers, where they were able to observe the conditions of the detainees, and verify that they were not subjected to torture, denying what was expressed by opposition media channels.
We have also received a visit from the Regional Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to which the Government of Nicaragua has provided the required support in order for them to be able to observe the human rights situation in the country.
Our Government has been constantly informing the IACHR, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the distinguished Permanent, Alternate and Observer Missions about terrorist acts caused by the groups that attempt to overthrow the legitimate and Constitutional Government of Nicaragua.
The Government of Nicaragua continues to work to restore peace and security which has been interrupted since April 18th, with these nefarious terrorist acts, assassinations, kidnappings, fires, torture, looting and destruction of family homes, as well as public and private buildings.
On June 19th, a group of armed and hooded terrorists stole 2 fuel truck which they parked 100 meters away from the Jinotepe Police Station, in a populated area, and began throwing mortars and Molotov cocktails, threatening to blow them up and putting at risk the lives of many citizens. This is clearly a terrorist act.
The Fire Department warned that an explosion would affect the surrounding area in a radius of 800 meters, endangering families and homes of 4 neighborhoods in the city of Jinotepe.
In the city of Jinotepe and surrounding communities the same terrorist groups, held hostage over 400 Central American drivers from El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and Honduras, whom suffered from hunger, disease, harassment and death threats for over 40 days.
The Political Constitution of Nicaragua recognizes the right to peaceful protest and establishes State protection and recognition of the inherent rights of all humans. It also ensures that the rights of each person are limited by the rights of others, for the security of all and for the just demands of the common good.
Peaceful protest must not be confused with terrorism, the consequences of which have left the civilian population immersed in a trail of assassinations, kidnappings, torture, threats of explosions and hostage-takings, as is the case of the more than 400 Central American drivers.
In response to the call and concerns of the governments of the countries of the Central American Integration System, expressed at the Summit of Heads of State and Government on June 30th in the Dominican Republic, our Government has expressed to the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua and to the IACHR, its duty to accompanying and ensure the protection of the lives and rights of these Central American drivers, without obtaining any positive results or communications condemning the violations of the rights of these individuals.
The Government of Nicaragua has emphatically condemned all acts of terrorist violence that have occurred from April 18th to date, which have caused mourning within the Nicaraguan families. We repudiate these actions that have been attacking the peace, stability, unity and reconciliation that all Nicaraguans enjoyed without distinctions of any kind.
Among the crimes committed by these terrorist groups in the cities of Jinotepe and Diriamba, 8 comrades have been murdered. 20 comrades kidnapped, 16 public institutions have been attacked, looted, burned or destroyed. Parents and children have been murdered, as is the case of Cristhoper Castillo and Roberto Castillo Cruz. Comrades of the Police, Sandinista members and youth have been targeted for kidnapping and murder and subjected to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, never before seen in the history of our country. This is not peaceful protest, it is terrorism and violence aimed at promoting chaos and breaking the Constitutional Order. Attached find list of Terrorist Actions in Jinotepe and Diriamba.
In this context of an attempted coup d'état and breaking the constitutional order in Nicaragua, the Government of Reconciliation and National Unity (GRUN), has made it known to the Nicaraguan families and the international community, that as a legally and legitimately constituted State and Government, it has the duty to defend Security, Peace, the Right to Life and the exercise of the fundamental rights of all Nicaraguans, including the right to free movement of people, vehicles and merchandise throughout the national territory.
Nicaragua has already said enough is enough to the suffering imposed by right-wing terrorist groups on the Nicaraguan families, who have been held hostage since April 18th to date in clear violation of the United Nations Convention against the Taking of Hostages and the Inter-American Convention against Terrorism.
Honorable Representatives,
The Government of Nicaragua recognizes that every Nicaraguan citizen has the right to life, liberty and security, as established in the Constitution of the Republic of Nicaragua, in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Interamerican Convention on Human Rights and the Charter of the United Nations.
The GRUN reiterates to the people of Nicaragua and the international community their unwavering commitment to continue working to restore Security, Peace, the Right to Life, harmony and peaceful coexistence, the Unity and Reconciliation of all Nicaraguans; to confront terrorism, crime, kidnapping, torture, cruel inhuman and degrading treatment, enforcing the Constitution and the Laws of the country for the common good, for which the Nicaraguan Police and all State institutions must comply, along with all other functions and provisions mandated by the Constitution and the Laws of the Republic.
Once peace, security and the free exercise of the fundamental rights of all Nicaraguans have been restored, the GRUN reiterates to the people of Nicaragua, to the member countries of the OAS and to the international community, our full readiness to listen to all proposals and initiatives for democratization and institutional strengthening that may arise from the National Dialogue, within the framework of the Constitution and the laws that govern the country, in order that they may be agreed upon for approval, ensuring that all points related to peace, security, tranquility are previously addressed for the benefit of all Nicaraguan families; including the cessation of terrorism, the free movement of people and public and private transport, so vital for the survival of all Nicaraguan families.
Thank you very much, Madam President.
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TERRORIST ACTIVITIES IN JINOTEPE AND DIRIAMBA
• 8 Comrades murdered
• 20 Comrades kidnapped
• 17 Comrades Injured
• Damages to public goods that have affected families (16 institutions attacked, looted, burned, destroyed)
• 14 vehicles destroyed and stolen from government’s institutions
• Damage to private property (8 houses looted and burned)
• 6 Illegal occupations of Institutions
• Terrorist attacks, among these the theft of 2 fuel tanks, that was then moved 100 meters from the JINOTEPE Police Station, propitiating them constantly with mortars and throwing Molotov cocktails, putting risk the life of the population.
• Kidnapping and all kinds of abuse to more than 400 Central American International freight carriers, in both municipalities.
Murders
Murder of FSLN Militants and Public Servants
of the Government of Nicaragua (8 comrades murdered)
1) Marcos Gutiérrez, Historical Combatant of the FSLN: of the municipality of Jinotepe. Killed by impact of a bullet in his head by armed groups, on June 12th.
2) Guillermo Méndez, Historical Combatant of the FSLN: of the municipality of Jinotepe. Killed by impact of bullet in his head by armed groups, on June 12.
3) José Antonio Cruz Solís, FSLN Militant: murdered in Las Esquinas, San Marcos by shot in the face by armed groups, on June 18.
4) Cristhoper Castillo, Student of the National Engineering University: from the municipality of Jinotepe, killed by gunshot of hooded and armed motorcyclists, on June 24.
5) Roberto Castillo Cruz, ENACAL worker: from Jinotepe municipality, killed by impacts of bullet by armed hooded, on July 5. Member of the FSLN and father of Christopher Castillo Rosales, murdered on June 24.
6) The young man, Kevin Cruz Ruíz, FLSN Militant and worker of the Departmental of the FSLN: municipality of El Rosario, died in accident of transit through the Pan-American Highway, on June 9.
7) Sub Officer of the National Police, Hilario de Jesús Ortiz Zavala: from the municipality of Managua, murdered by sniper from the Torreon de la FAREM Carazo, Sunday, July 8.
8) Officer of the National Police, Faber Antonio López Vivas: from Zeleya Central, killed by sniper from the Tower of the FAREM-Carazo, Sunday, July 8
Kidnappings and torture, with cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment:
KIDNAPPING AND TORTURE TO MILITANTS OF THE FSLN (20 comrades)
1) Ferson Castillo: from the municipality of Jinotepe. Kidnapped by armed group, moored and stolen in the San José School.
2) Francisco Polanco: from the municipality of Jinotepe. Kidnapped by armed group and beaten in the San Jose School.
3) Junior Baltodano: from the municipality of San Marcos. Kidnapped in Jinotepe by armed group and taken to the roadblock of the San José School.
4) Camilo Rosales: brothers, originally from Jinotepe municipality. Kidnapped and tortured by armed groups within the San José School.
5) Juan Rosales: brothers, originally from Jinotepe municipality. Kidnapped and tortured by armed groups within the San José School.
6) Reynaldo Rosales: brothers, originally from Jinotepe municipality. Kidnapped and tortured by armed groups within the San José School.
7) Mario Sánchez: from the municipality of Santa Teresa. Kidnapped and tortured by armed group inside of the San José School.
8) Lester Martínez Fletes: from the municipality of Santa Teresa. Kidnapped and tortured by armed group inside the San José School.
9) Félix Morales Velázquez: from the municipality of Jinotepe. Kidnapped and tortured by armed group within the San José School.
10) Albert Pérez: from the municipality of Santa Teresa. Kidnapped and tortured by armed group nearby of the Santiago de Jinotepe Regional Hospital.
11) Henry Serrano: from the municipality of Jinotepe. Kidnapped and tortured by armed group.
12) Omar González: from the municipality of Santa Teresa. Kidnapped and tortured by armed group in the San Jose School.
13) Roberto Castro: from the municipality of Diriambia. Kidnapped and tortured by armed group in the roadblock of La Inmaculada.
14) José Antonio Palacios: from the municipality of Diriamba Kidnapped and tortured by group armed in the roadblock of La Inmaculada.
15) Erasmo Vicente Hernández Palacios: from Jinotepe municipality. Kidnapped and tortured by armed group, on July 4 in the Sector of Petronic.
16) Sub Senior Officer of the National Police Erling Celestino García Cortés: kidnapped by armed groups, on July 4, in the 4 Esquinas of Jinotepe.
17) Pedro Antonio Nicaragua Ruiz: from the municipality of El Rosario. Kidnapped and tortured, on 5 July, in Puente de Belén, Jinotepe
18) Gilda del Carmen Alegría: kidnapped by armed group, on July 1; naked and groped
19) Ada Luz Aburto Alegría: kidnapped by armed group, on July 1; naked.
20) Officer of the National Police, Yadira Castillo: kidnapped and tortured by groups armed forces located in the Hertyland dam, July 5th.
Additionally, from June 5 to July8, more than 400 international carriers, were kidnapped and subjected to all kinds of harassment in the total closure of the roadblock made by armed groups (from Las Palmeras in Diriamba to Petronic in Jinotepe); in conditions of insecurity and total insalubrity, violating the right to life, health, work and freedom circulation of these carriers. Complaints were made by the Embassies of PANANA, EL SALVADOR and GUATEMALA.
Injuries / Torture
- July 2, armed criminals attacked the Police Station of the Municipality of Jinotepe, Department of Carazo, injuring with firearm to comrade Harlen Francisco Guzmán Muñoz, 28 years old, Sub Officer of the National Police.
- May 28, at 06:00 in the morning, at the Jinotepe municipality, South exit, place known as Dulce nombre, 3 blocks to West, Manuel Hernández School, department of Carazo, group of delinquents hooded, with violence they tried enter the school to prevent classes. Parents opposed the taking of the center of studies and criminals on board vehicles fired with guns, being injured José Andrés Calderón 20-year-old Barahona and Jaffer Aaron Jarquín Martinez of 40 years.
From April 21 to June 9, armed criminals caused injuries to the following official:
April, the 21st
• Commissioner Juan Ismael Gaitán Moreno.
• Lieutenant Yesenia Del Socorro López Castillo
• Lieutenant Wilson Javier Brenes Hernández
• Sub Officer Gustavo Adolfo Baltodano Hernandez
• Sub Official Orlando Segundo Alemán Narváez
• Sub Senior Officer Yader Bismarck Cortez
González
• Sub Official Mayor María Dolores Pérez Guevara
• Sub Official Major Gadiel Eliezer Guevara Ramos
• Police Carolina Del Socorro Arias Ortiz
• Police Bianca Massiel German Market
• Inspector Juan Carlos Molina Ortiz
May 30
• Sub officer Major Henry Isabel Espinoza Aguilar
• Sub Inspector Mario José Jirón Martínez
June 9
• Police agent Armando José Rocha García
Damage to public goods that have affected attention to families
1) Public Registry of Property in Jinotepe: looted 100%; on June 8.
2) Delegation of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Jinotepe: looted 100%; he June 12
3) SILAIS, Jinotepe: looted 75%; on 12, 13 and 15 of June.
4) Civil District Courts, Jinotepe: looted on 80%; on June 12.
5) Criminal District Court, Jinotepe: looted the 100%; on June 12.
6) Departmental Delegation of MINED, Jinotepe: looted 100%; June 11 and 24
7) Delegation ENACAL, Jinotepe: looted by 20%; on June 13
8) National Lottery, Jinotepe: threat to the Institution and watchers; on June 13.
9) Women's Police Station, Jinotepe: looted and burned 100%; on June 13.
10) FAREM-UNAN, Jinotepe: looted and destroyed in 80%; taken by armed groups since the 12th June.
11) City Hall, Diriamba: burned the 100%; on April 21.
12) National Police Station, Diriamba: burned 100%; on June 12.
13) Sub Station of the National Police Jinotepe: burned 100%; on June 12.
14) Sub Station of the National Police, the Esquinas, San Marcos: 100% burned; The 12 of June.
15) Delegation of the Institute of Medicine Legal (IML-Judicial Power). Fire and Destruction of equipment and files.
16) Ernst Thalmann Technology Center, in Jinotepe-INATEC. Looting and destruction.
Vehicles destroyed and stolen of Government Institutions
- All vehicles destroyed by armed groups belong to the SILAIS, Jinotepe:
1) Toyota truck, Hilux. License plate No. ME 1127.
2) TOYOTA truck, 4 RUNNER. License plate No. M 078 751.
3) TOYOTA, LAND CRUISER truck. License plate No. ME 1106.
4) NISSAN truck, FRONTIER. License plate No. ME 1104.
5) NISSAN truck, FRONTIER. License plate No. ME 0109.
- Vehicles stolen from government institutions
From SILAIS, Jinotepe:
1) HONDA motorcycle, XL-185S. License Plate No. M 008. Red color.
2) HONDA motorcycle, XL-200. Plate M46070. Red color.
3) ISUZU truck. License plate ME 1122. White color.
From Health Centers:
4) Yamaha MOTORCYCLE, DT-125. License Plate No. M007 Black Color (Jinotepe).
5) Yamaha MOTORCYCLE, DT-125. License Plate M1131 Color Black (Jinotepe).
6) Ambulance Nissan Terrano. License plate No. ME 111 Color White (Santa Teresa).
From the Departmental Delegation of the Ministry of Education:
1) Toyota Gray truck. License plate No. M 071 051.
2) Toyota White van. License plate No. ME 1392.
3) Chevroleth Gray Truck. License plate No. M 008 647.
Damage to private property
1) Departmental House of the FSLN, Jinotepe: looted and burned 100%; April, the 21st.
2) Municipal House of the FSLN, Diriamba: looted and burned 100%; April, the 21st.
Damage to private property of individuals
1) Mariano Madrigal: house looted and stolen, 100%; on June 12. Mayor of Jinotepe.
2) Auxiliadora Porras: house looted and stolen, 100%; on June 12.
3) Gutenberg Castro: entered violently to his house, on June 12.
6) Claudia Cruz: house looted 100%; on 12 June.
7) Commissioner (retired) Roberto González Kraudy: looted house and weapons robbery; the 24th of June.
8) Alan Zuniga: house looted and stolen, 100%; June 25th.
Terrorist attack
- NOTE 1069. June 19 at 6:30 in the afternoon, while two (2) fuel tanks they supplied a gas station in JINOTEPE; a group of armed and hooded criminals, threatened the workers-operators of the cisterns and they were stolen, moving them to 100 meters from the Police Delegation of JINOTEPE, constantly dodging and throwing them Molotov cocktails, putting the life of the population, with these terrorist acts. The General Directorate of Firemen, has informed to the entire population the great risk that represents, because at any time it may explode and the explosion would reach 800 meters around, affecting particularly 4 Neighborhoods of the City of Jinotepe, Department of Carazo (Barrio San Juan, Barrio La Colonia, Barrio La Competition and Barrio Virgen Roble). Attached photographs.