U.S. Designates Nicaraguan Prison Director Over Alleged Human Rights Violations.
Washington, D.C.:
The United States has announced sanctions against a senior Nicaraguan prison official for alleged involvement in gross violations of human rights against a political prisoner.
The U.S. Department of State confirmed the public designation of Roberto Clemente Guevara Gómez, Maximum-Security Director of La Modelo prison, citing his role in serious abuses committed against a detained political prisoner.
The action targets officials linked to what U.S. authorities describe as ongoing repression under the government of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, referred to by U.S. officials as the “Murillo-Ortega dictatorship.”
Sanctions Under Section 7031(c)
The designation was carried out under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (Div. F, P.L. 118-47), as continued under the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026 (Div. A, P.L. 119-37).
Section 7031(c) provides the U.S. government authority to publicly designate foreign officials and their immediate family members when there is credible information of involvement in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights. Those designated are generally ineligible for entry into the United States.
Call for Release of Political Prisoners
In its statement, the United States called for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals it considers unjustly detained for political reasons in Nicaragua.
U.S. officials said the action underscores Washington’s commitment to promoting accountability and supporting fundamental freedoms, including the rights of political prisoners and civil society actors.
The designation marks the latest in a series of measures taken by the United States in response to human rights concerns in Nicaragua, as diplomatic tensions between the two countries remain high.
