# Nicaraguan prisoner release program

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nicaraguan-prisoner-release-program
> Updated: 2026-09-22T01:47:29.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

In mid-September 2026, Nicaraguan official Rosario Murillo announced the scheduled release of approximately 1,500 prisoners under the ‘convivencia familiar’ (family coexistence) framework. The planned release was set to occur across several departments, including Managua, Granada, and Matagalpa, amid growing public anxiety regarding an increase in violent street crimes such as armed robberies.

Following the scheduled date, the government confirmed the release of these inmates from the National Penitentiary System, including the ‘La Modelo’ prison, to commemorate patriotic holidays and the anniversary of the death of Rigoberto López Pérez. Interior Minister María Amelia Coronel Kinloch stated the initiative allows inmates to return home to pursue work and responsibility. 

This action contributes to a total of approximately 7,900 common prisoners released in Nicaragua so far this year. The government has utilized the family coexistence regime as a recurring humanitarian policy during national holidays since 2014.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-22: Nicaragua releases 1,500 prisoners for patriotic holidays

Nicaragua has released 1,500 common prisoners under a family coexistence regime to mark patriotic holidays, bringing the total number of such releases this year to approximately 7,900.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-releases-1500-prisoners-for-patriotic-holidays

### 2026-09-18: Nicaragua to release 1,500 prisoners amid rising crime concerns

Nicaraguan official Rosario Murillo announced the release of 1,500 prisoners on September 21 amid rising public concerns over increasing crime and violent robberies.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nicaragua-expands-police-infrastructure-and-announces-prisoner-releases

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Cite as: Nicaraguan prisoner release program. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nicaraguan-prisoner-release-program