Víctimas De La Redada Del 3 De Mayo: "Quieren Acallar Las Voces Críticas"

In the vibrant tapestry of our world, there exist stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring, tales of courage that refuse to be silenced. Our journey today takes us to Nicaragua, where amidst the shadows of political turmoil, two individuals have risen as beacons of hope. Their remarkable journey sheds light on the resilient spirit of those who dare to speak up, even when the odds are stacked against them.

The Ominous Wave of Repression

April in Nicaragua, during the solemn Easter festivities and amidst the fifth anniversary of the April Rebellion, the authoritarian regime unleashed a fresh wave of detentions, bringing the tally of political prisoners to over 50. But May saw a new crescendo in kidnappings and a repressive pattern that left the world stunned. Citizens were summarily detained, accused in secretive court hearings, and released the next day on parole.

On the fateful night of May 3, a police raid resulted in the abduction and Express accusations against 58 citizens. The nightmare continued on May 13 when 18 more individuals were also detained. In this dark hour, we meet two victims who decided to flee to Costa Rica, sharing their harrowing stories under the cloak of anonymity to protect their safety and that of their families.

Carlos and Harold: Defenders of Justice and Freedom

Picture the scene: the tranquility of a Nicaraguan night disrupted by the sudden invasion of one's home. Carlos and Harold, natives of the northern part of the country, were accused by the dictatorship of treason and spreading fake news. They described how their lives were upended.

Carlos vividly recalls the moment, "It was a forced raid on my house, and I was alone. We were accused of betraying our homeland. Our mission had always been to support Nicaraguans in their fight for a just, democratic, and free Nicaragua."

The invaders combed through their homes, seizing discs, computers, phones, and papers. "They even took away T-shirts, scarves, and small blue and white flags that we used during protests. These were presented as evidence against us," Carlos lamented. But his worst ordeal was yet to come.

On May 3, without any judicial order, Carlos was kidnapped from his home, his charge? Cybercrimes and plotting against national sovereignty. The state of Nicaragua had cast them as culprits, accusing them of requesting sanctions and spreading false information. Their "crime" also included defending Bishop Álvarez and asserting the innocence of a certain Rolando Álvarez.

Harold, too, was officially charged, but he managed to escape the clutches of the police raid just before it unfolded. For a long time, he lived in constant fear as police vehicles would often park in front of his house, day and night. He realized the urgency of his situation and decided to flee the country. "I knew they were after me because they kept coming back. So, I decided to step into exile," Harold explained.

The Midnight Ordeal: Kafkaesque Journey Through Detention

Carlos paints a surreal picture of their midnight journey into the heart of Managua, "We entered Managua around midnight. They took us to an area labeled as a forensic or criminalistics section, and then had us fill out forms, collect our fingerprints, and document every detail about us, including our home addresses and ID numbers. They photographed us from every angle, and we had to wash our hands. Shortly after, they ushered us into an overnight court hearing with a judge, who, I later heard, had been sanctioned."

This Kafkaesque nightmare unfolded between midnight and 1 a.m. Once the hearing was over, they were taken back to their hometowns. "In the early morning hours, they dropped us off at our homes, instructing us to report to the local police station daily, just like all the other detainees from May 3. Some of them are still in the country, and, due to their families' circumstances, they haven't made a decision about what's next. They continue to report daily, uncertain of their fate as their trial looms at the end of this month," Carlos explained.

But Carlos decided to take a different path. Faced with the grim reality of potential imprisonment, he chose exile, recognizing the grave consequences that awaited him. "I was certain they would convict me based on the mere presence of blue and white flags and scarves in my house, and my vocal support for Bishop Álvarez. The regime has miscalculated. They only further infuriate the families, creating more awareness among even those who were once sympathetic to them, that their methods are flawed," Carlos asserted.

These individuals' stories resonate with a profound message – the people of Nicaragua are unwavering in their pursuit of freedom, justice, and democracy. The struggle is ongoing, with countless voices joining in a harmonious chorus. The regime's attempts to stifle dissent and opposition are merely ripples in the vast sea of determination.

In the face of adversity, courage shines brightest. Carlos, Harold, and countless others continue to stand against oppression, their voices echoing the timeless pursuit of liberty. It is a journey fraught with challenges, but there's no turning back. The people of Nicaragua are resolute in their quest for freedom, and that is indisputable. They shall prevail.

In closing, as you've joined us on this odyssey, remember, your support helps defy the censorship in Nicaragua. To further this cause, don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel if you haven't already. Together, we can empower truth and illuminate the path toward a brighter future.