How are opponents judged in Nicaragua?
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(CNN Spanish) ––
Edgard Parrales Castillo, 79, former priest and former representative of Nicaragua in the Organization of American States (OAS), was found guilty this Tuesday of conspiracy to undermine national integrity and spread false news, reported the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (Cenidh), through its social networks.
"Almost at 5:00 pm, the judicial farce against Dr. Edgard Parrales in Chipote ended, Judge Nadia Tardencilla declared him guilty," Cenidh reported on its Twitter account.
And he added that the Prosecutor's Office requested 8 years in prison for Parrales and "the court confirmed the house arrest. The sentencing will take place on May 5 next."
According to this human rights NGO, Parrales testified as a witness in his own case and defended his innocence.
"I am innocent, I am endorsed by a life history of commitment in the defense of Nicaragua, specifically before the OAS. The person responsible for the tragedy that Nicaragua is experiencing today is called Daniel Ortega," Parrales said in his statement, according to what was reported. by the Cenidh.
Parrales, who remains under house arrest, was transferred to the facilities of the Directorate of Judicial Assistance, known as El Chipote, where "they put him in a cell, put him in a prison uniform and took him to the courtroom with bridles," as reported by the Cenidh.
For the agency, this situation constitutes “cruel treatment”.
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CNN has not been able to have independent access to the trial against Parrales.
The hearing was held behind closed doors, with no access for the media.
The Judiciary does not provide details of the cases and the Prosecutor's Office does not update the information on the processes.
CNN has tried to obtain information about this case but the authorities have not responded to our requests.
Parrales was arrested on November 22, 2021 by several civil agents near his home, located in the center of Managua, according to his relatives.
Previously, the former diplomat had participated in a television program in which he called for the release of detained opponents and questioned the decision of the Nicaraguan Government to withdraw from the OAS.
On November 19, 2021, the Foreign Ministry had reported that resolution.
The Prosecutor's Office announced on February 25 that it had granted Parrales house arrest "for humanitarian reasons."
Parrales joins the list of more than 40 prominent opponents of the government of President Daniel Ortega who have been sentenced to between 8 and 13 years in prison for crimes of conspiracy or money laundering, among others, of which they plead not guilty .
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