Nicaraguan lieutenant convicted for criticizing police repression

A Nicaraguan military court has convicted a military doctor for questioning police repression against peasants who oppose the construction of a canal.

First Lieutenant Yader Montiel was accused of violating the norms of the armed forces that prohibit deliberation on matters unrelated to his duties. He was convicted for an offense against honor in detriment of the Nicaraguan Army. The trial was conducted behind close doors and the judgment was based on the testimony offered by four citizens who declared that they had heard Montiel criticize the police officers’ actions.

The Centro Nicaragüense de Derechos Humanos (The Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights) considers that Montiel could become the first political prisoner within the ranks of the Nicaraguan Army.

More on this case here.