Nicaragua detains third presidential hopeful as criticism grows

Another potential challenger to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is arrested, prompting criticism from US diplomat.

Nicaraguan authorities have detained a third potential presidential candidate amid a deepening crackdown by President Daniel Ortega in the run-up to elections later this year. Felix Maradiaga, 44, was held on Tuesday after appearing at the public ministry where prosecutors were investigating him for alleged acts against sovereignty, terrorism and backing international sanctions against the government. Maradiaga is the leader of the Blue and White Alliance, a group that arose after widespread protests against Ortega’s rule in 2018. He testified about government repression at the United Nations Security Council that same year.