OTTAWA CUTS AID TO NICARAGUA OVER RIGHTS CONCERNS

The federal government is suspending all direct aid to Nicaragua, citing what it calls “the deteriorating human rights situation” under President Daniel Ortega, pictured. Ortega’s government has cracked down violently on protests that began last April as demonstrations against cuts to the country’s retirement system, but quickly turned to calls for the president to step down. The opposition has said more than 640 people were being held for political causes, although the government says the numbers are far smaller and it has released many in recent months. Canada’s suspension of direct aid was first reported by the CBC, which says a Global Affairs memo from last August recommended against making any public announcement when the decision was made.