Rivals arrested

Nicaraguan police placed under house arrest a seventh presidential contender on Saturday. Almost all of those who could have challenged President Daniel Ortega in the November 7 elections have now been detained. Opposition leader Noel Vidaurre was placed under police custody at his home on Saturday, as was political commentator Jaime Arellano. Arellano had been called in for questioning regarding a commentary he wrote criticising an Ortega speech. Half a dozen other potential candidates have been arrested in a crackdown that began almost two months ago. Almost two dozen other journalists and opposition activists have also been detained. Almost all were arrested under “treason” laws that Ortega has used against political rivals. Most face vague allegations of crimes against the state. Ortega alleges the country’s April 2018 street protests were part of an organised coup attempt with foreign backing.