Nicaragua's health ministry confirmed on Sunday that Indigenous leader and former lawmaker Brooklyn Rivera died from health complications after nearly three years in detention. The 73-year-old was a prominent leader of the Miskito people and was arrested in 2023 by the authoritarian government of President Daniel Ortega on undisclosed charges.

Last week, the Nicaraguan government acknowledged that Rivera had been detained since 2023, after UN representatives, the US government, and Rivera's family demanded proof that he was still alive. The health ministry stated that his "physical and neurological deterioration" was "a consequence of a bacterial infection caused by the COVID-19 virus," adding that doctors made "enormous" efforts to save his life.

On Wednesday, the government released images of Rivera on a ventilator, acknowledging his critical condition. Rivera's exiled daughter, Tininiska Rivera, demanded that her father's body be handed over for burial according to Miskito traditions and refuted claims that family members were present at his death.

Human rights activists and groups worldwide denounced the leader's death. American human rights lawyer Reed Brody called the government's earlier statement referring to Rivera as a "brother" an "unconscionable cynicism." Manuel Orozco, director at the Inter-American Dialogue, said Rivera's death was a result of "complete neglect" and "represents the magnitude of repression."

The Organization of American States Secretary General Albert R. Ramdin expressed deep concern and demanded an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation. The Inter-American Center for Legal Assistance in Human Rights also denounced the death, demanding criminal accountability for those responsible.

Source: www.dw.com