Nicaragua

October 17, 2008

Daniel Ortega
President of the Republic of Nicaragua
Managua, Nicaragua

Via facsimile: 505-228-7911

Dear Mr. President:

The Committee to Protect Journalists believes the criminal investigation of prominent journalist Carlos Fernando Chamorro Barrios is politically motivated and intended to restrict critical news coverage in Nicaragua. The case undermines your government's oft-stated commitment to press freedom.

In response to Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's decision to investigate prominent journalist Carlos Chamorro Barrios for alleged money laundering through the Center for Media Investigation, of which Chamorro is a board member, we issued the following statement:

"We are concerned that the investigation into Carlos Chamorro Barrios, a harsh critic of Ortega's administration, could be politically motivated," said Carlos Lauría, CPJ's senior program coordinator for the Americas. "In light of Chamorro's allegations of government persecution, we urge Nicaraguan authorities to clarify the motives behind the investigation."

UPDATE

MARCH 5, 2008
Posted March 24, 2008
Original Case: February 10, 2004

Carlos José Guadamuz, Canal 23
KILLED

William Hurtado García, who confessed to the 2004 murder of Canal 23 television host Guadamuz, was conditionally released from prison, the Nicaraguan press reported on March 5. Hurtado had been sentenced to a 21-year prison sentence for the journalist's murder.   

UPDATE

MARCH 5, 2008
Posted March 24, 2008
Original Case: February 10, 2004

Carlos José Guadamuz, Canal 23
KILLED

William Hurtado García, who confessed to the 2004 murder of Canal 23 television host Guadamuz, was conditionally released from prison, the Nicaraguan press reported on March 5. Hurtado had been sentenced to a 21-year prison sentence for the journalist's murder.