Nicaragua: 2,000 lawyers lose their license – criticism from the UN

Criticism from human rights advocates and the UN

International observers also voiced sharp criticism. Reed Brody, a member of a UN group that monitors the human rights situation in Nicaragua, told AFP: "Nicaragua does not even meet the minimum standards of judicial independence." The move fits a pattern of persecution of Nicaraguans who have been "identified as defenders of democracy."

The government under Daniel Ortega, who began his fourth consecutive term in 2021, has faced international criticism for years. According to United Nations estimates, more than 300 people were killed during mass protests in 2018. Since then, the government has closed more than 5,000 non-governmental organizations and imprisoned hundreds of actual and perceived government opponents, according to international organizations.

Background: Escalation since 2018

The revocation of the lawyers' licenses is part of a series of repressive measures. The result is significantly restricted access to independent legal advice for the population. "Removing lawyers from the Supreme Court registry without prior notice and without due process means closing off the last remaining channel of defense for citizens," AFP reported, citing observers' assessment.

Neither the Supreme Court nor the Nicaraguan government has publicly commented on the reasons for the removals so far. According to AFP, no list of the affected lawyers or explanation of the procedure has been published either. It initially remained unclear whether and how those affected could appeal.

Reactions from abroad have so far been limited to statements from human rights organizations and UN bodies. The United Nations, the European Union, and the United States have repeatedly criticized the human rights situation in Nicaragua; concrete sanctions in connection with the current move were not initially known.

Reactions from abroad

Those affected themselves only speak out anonymously for fear of repression. The lawyer quoted described that many colleagues only learned the news that they had lost their licenses when clients or courts pointed out that they were no longer listed. As a result, the question of further representation remains open for numerous proceedings.

Human rights groups are demanding the immediate reversal of the removals and the restoration of the ability to work of the affected lawyers. Nicaragua must also return to compliance with international minimum standards of justice, they declared. Until then, it remains to be seen how many lawyers will continue to represent clients despite the loss of their licenses and what impact this will have on ongoing proceedings.

Outlook

The current wave is set against the backdrop of a political situation that has been tightening for years. Since the 2018 protests, the government has systematically curtailed independent media, civil society organizations, and opposition voices. The revocation of lawyers' licenses now carried out affects those who appear as defense counsel in criminal proceedings, human rights cases, or political trials.

International attention to the case could continue to grow in the coming days. UN bodies regularly review the situation in Nicaragua and publish reports documenting such measures. Observers see the move as a clear signal that the government intends to further narrow the already tight space for an independent judiciary.

Overall, the episode illustrates, in observers' view, the increasing loss of rule-of-law structures in Nicaragua. For the affected lawyers and their clients, this means a considerable cut in the possibilities of defending themselves in court.