Resolution on political prisoners in Nicaragua – the cases of Carlos Brenes, Salvadora del Socorro Martínez Aburto and Brooklyn Rivera

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on political prisoners in Nicaragua – the cases of Carlos Brenes, Salvadora del Socorro Martínez Aburto and Brooklyn Rivera.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew and Greens/EFA groups.

Since 2018, the Ortega-Murillo regime has dismantled democratic institutions and the rule of law, with constitutional reform abolishing political pluralism, while persecuting opponents, journalists, clergy, indigenous leaders, human-rights defenders and civil society.

The resolution highlighted the cases of political prisoners Carlos Brenes and Salvadora del Socorro Martínez Aburto, who were arrested in 2025, denied due process, and sentenced to 15 years for ‘treason’, as well as Brooklyn Rivera, an Indigenous leader who disappeared after his 2023 detention and died in custody in May 2026.

Parliament strongly condemned the Ortega-Murillo regime’s systematic repression, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, sham trials, exile, denationalisation, confiscation and crimes against humanity. It demanded the immediate, unconditional release of Brenes, Martínez and all political prisoners, the annulment of politically motivated convictions, information on their fate and whereabouts, and immediate proof of life.

Moreover, the resolution condemned the persecution of Christian churches, indigenous peoples, civil society, opponents and their relatives.

The resolution called on the EU to ensure that no EU or multilateral funds strengthen the regime and to expand targeted sanctions against perpetrators, including Daniel Ortega and his inner circle. In addition, it urged compliance with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) ruling and support efforts to ensure accountability, including through a referral to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Parliament called on the Council and the Commission to trigger the democratic clause and suspend application of the Association Agreement in respect of Nicaragua while repression persists.

Lastly, Members stressed that Parliament will not engage with regime representatives within the newly established Association Parliamentary Committee.