Thousands demand justice as Nicaragua protest toll hits 43
The rally took place just hours after university students issued conditions for talks
Thousands of Nicaraguans marched peacefully through the capital Managua on Saturday in a mass demonstration to demand justice following the violent suppression of a wave of protests that left 43 people dead.
During the rally, which was called by the Catholic church, Managua’s bishop issued a deadline of one month to see if there was a serious intention to achieve change through a national dialogue aimed at resolving issues that triggered the country’s worst unrest in 11 years. The rally took place just hours after university students at the forefront of antigovernment unrest issued conditions for talks with the government of embattled President Daniel Ortega.
There was a sea of blue and white flags as the crowds massed outside the city’s cathedral, among them young people, the elderly and farmers protesting against plans to construct a canal linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific.
“We have come on a pilgrimage as one people, brothers in the faith of the Lord Jesus, brothers in suffering for so many lives lost. desiring justice, peace and reconciliation,” Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes told the crowds.
Brenes, the city’s archbishop, said he would act as a witness and mediator in the dialogue called for by Ortega, adding he would impose a deadline of one month to see “if a real commitment exists” to carry out the agreements reached.
“If we see that they are not taking these steps, we will call a halt and we will tell the people of God that we cannot carry on,” he said to widespread applause and chants of “Make them go!” in reference to Ortega and his wife, vice-president Rosario Murillo.