In a bold move by Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, the Cyber Crime Law, also known as the gag law, is being urgently reformed to further silence dissent and criticism. The reform aims to increase penalties for offenses and extend jurisdiction to prosecute “cyber crimes” committed outside the country. Critics fear that this reform will crush the last bastion of freedom of expression and press in Nicaragua – social media and independent media.
Additionally, the reform gives power to prosecute individuals facilitating crimes, regardless of their location. This aligns with the regime’s strategy to pursue dissent beyond national borders. Jail sentences have been extended to up to 15 years for offenses related to spreading fake news or inciting discrimination and violence. The regime is targeting social media users, with arrests and trials based on social media activity like ‘likes’ and comments.
Furthermore, the regime has granted more power to the National Police to conduct raids and seize electronic equipment without court orders. The Financial Analysis Unit has also been given expanded authority to monitor and report suspicious transactions, raising concerns about the surveillance of family remittances. The crackdown measures have intensified, signaling a concerning trend towards tighter control and suppression of dissent in Nicaragua.
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