Nicaraguan prison director faces designation due to reported human rights violations

U.S. Criticizes Nicaraguan Government for Human Rights Violations

The United States has condemned the Nicaraguan regime over alleged human rights abuses and has announced sanctions against prison officials.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “Today, I am naming Nicaraguan prison warden Roberto Clemente Guevara Gómez for his involvement in serious human rights violations.” This announcement came through a social media post.

The U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua confirmed the designation, clarifying that it falls under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State’s Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2024. The embassy highlighted this designation was made due to “participation in serious human rights violations against political prisoners.” They further asserted that the U.S. demands “the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners unjustly detained in Nicaragua.”

Nicaragua Closes Key Migratory Route for Cubans to U.S.

Back in December, the embassy had already announced actions taken by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This action came in response to “Nicaraguan laws, policies, and practices related to abuses of labor rights, human rights violations, and the erosion of legal standards.” The decision involved reviewing over 2,000 public comments and consulting with agency experts.

The measures indicated that the U.S. would gradually impose tariffs over a two-year period beginning January 1, 2026, which would affect all Nicaraguan products that do not originate from the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The tariffs are expected to begin at 0% on January 1, 2026, rising to 10% by January 1, 2027, and escalating to 15% by January 1, 2028. The embassy also noted that these tariffs will add to the existing 18% reciprocal tariff.