Nicaraguan peasant movement reports disappearance of opposition leader

The Movimiento Campesino de Nicaragua has reported the forced disappearance of José Danilo Jirón Gudiel. Jirón Gudiel, a known opponent of the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional (FSLN) who advocated for voting rights, returned to Nicaragua on March 9, 2025, after three years of living in exile in the United States due to health issues.

According to Medardo Mairena, leader of the movement, Jirón Gudiel was detained by police at the Managua airport immediately upon his arrival. His son reported that authorities informed him Jirón Gudiel was being detained and would be taken to the 'El Chipote' judicial assistance headquarters.

Family members have attempted to locate him at various police stations, including El Chipote, but have received no information regarding his whereabouts, formal charges, or legal status. The Movimiento Campesino de Nicaragua has filed complaints with national and international human rights organizations, including the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH), requesting precautionary measures.