US secures release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners to be sent to Guatemala

GUATEMALA (AP) — The U.S. government announced Thursday that it has secured the release of 135 Nicaraguan political prisoners who will initially be sent to Guatemala.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said they were released on humanitarian grounds.

“No one should be imprisoned for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of speech, association and the practice of their religion,” Sullivan said.

The Nicaraguans included 13 members of a Texas-based charity, lay Catholics, students and others.

Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo has agreed to accept Nicaraguans as long as they do not seek entry to the United States.