Nicaragua's government has stripped hundreds of lawyers of their licenses to practice law, a move critics condemn as another blow against dissent and a "purge of the legal profession." The action, which saw lawyers discover their certifications removed from the Supreme Court of Justice's registry without official notification, aims to dismantle the country's remaining democratic safeguards.

This latest crackdown follows a pattern established by President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, who have systematically repressed opposition since mass protests erupted in 2018. The government has since imprisoned adversaries, religious leaders, and journalists, revoked citizenship and assets from hundreds, and forcibly exiled thousands.

Reed Brody, an American human rights lawyer and member of a UN panel of experts on Nicaragua, described the situation as a targeted effort to "erode the country’s final shreds of democratic checks and balances." He noted that the full extent of the revocations is unclear but likely affects "at least hundreds, if not thousands of lawyers."

The implications of this mass disqualification are significant, effectively removing legal avenues for citizens to challenge government actions or seek justice. "This follows the pattern that we’ve been seeing for years. First, they closed the NGOs, the universities, the independent media. You know, they’ve gone after the churches, and now it seems the legal profession," Brody stated.

Juan Diego Barberena, a human rights defender exiled in Costa Rica since 2022, confirmed his own certification was revoked. He discovered his name and license number had been erased from the government database when he attempted to access it. Barberena indicated he knows of at least 25 other lawyers in similar situations.

Since 2018, the Ortega-Murillo administration has dismantled over 5,000 non-governmental organizations, including religious groups, rotary clubs, and scouting organizations, further isolating civil society. The government has also been accused of human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions and the suppression of fundamental freedoms.

Nicaragua's government did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press regarding the lawyers' licenses. The lack of official explanation and the silent removal from the registry highlight the government's opaque methods of control.

Brody's assessment suggests the government is targeting "anyone who might stand between the government and citizens," indicating a comprehensive strategy to consolidate power by eliminating potential opposition and independent voices within the legal system.