Aníbal Martín Rivas Reed

On June 24, 2025, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights granted him precautionary measures, after considering that he faces a situation of gravity and urgency.

Aníbal Martin Rivas Reed, originally from Matagalpa, is 61 years old. He was part of the Sandinista People’s Army (EPS) during the 1980s until he was discharged in 1990. He then rejoined the Army to be a member of the Intelligence Department, and resigned in December 2006.

 From then on he disassociated himself from both the Army and the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN). In 2018, Aníbal joined anti-government protests to demand an end to repression and justice for those killed. In retaliation for his participation in the protests, since 2018, both he and his family have been persecuted by the regime and investigated for allegedly being perpetrators of the crime of undermining national integrity (also known as treason) and/or terrorism.

On May 17, 2025, around 1:50 p.m., officers from the Directorate of Special Operations of the National Police (DOEP) in conjunction with other police officers, proceeded to arrest him without presenting an arrest warrant. As it was clarified, during the operation the agents raided the house and took his documents, including licenses and passport.

That weekend, the Ortega-Murillo regime carried out the arrest of at least 14 opponents in the north of the country, including former military officers, former mayors and councilors of opposition parties dissolved by the State. Aníbal was arrested for being considered an opponent.

After 40 days of detention, it was learned that Aníbal is being held in the Modelo prison and that after an arbitrary process in which he was not allowed to defend himself, he was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the crime of treason. Aníbal has chronic health conditions that require specialized attention and medication.

His family has expressed alarm that Aníbal is under solitary confinement, held in a small, completely closed cell and in total isolation, with no possibility of speaking or going out in the sun.

On June 24, 2025, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted him precautionary measures, after considering that he faces a situation of gravity and urgency, since his rights to life and personal integrity are at risk of irreparable harm in Nicaragua.

Freedom for Aníbal Rivas!

We demand from the Ortega-Murillo regime: Free Nicas now!