Victoria Cardenas (left) and Berta Valle (right) share compelling testimony at a hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (July 21, 2022) on the fate of their husbands, two presidential candidates who were imprisoned by Ortega. On Thursday, their husbands were finally released from jail along with over 200 other human rights defenders.

             Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chair of the House Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations Subcommittee, today issued the following statement on the release of over 200 political prisoners by Nicaraguan dictator Daniel Ortega:

            “The release of more than 200 Nicaraguan human rights prisoners from Daniel Ortega’s extreme political repression is welcomed, but we must continue to work to combat the brutal Ortega regime and free the remaining prisoners—including courageous Bishop Rolando Alvarez who refuses to abandon his flock. He is truly a Christ-like figure with a servant's heart, and we continue to urge Pope Francis to speak unequivocally on his behalf and seek his release.

            I have already spoken with two of the freed victims—presidential candidates Felix Maradiaga and Juan Sebastian Chamorro—and expressed my absolute admiration for their courage, tenacity and commitment to democracy. Their wives, Berta Valle and Victoria Cardenas respectively, have made a major difference advocating for them, including at my congressional hearing on the plight of Nicaragua’s political prisoners.

             We will continue to advocate for those who remain imprisoned by the Ortega regime and suffer beatings and torture.

             We also know that those freed have been exiled and vilified by Ortega’s thug regime, because Ortega fears their voices. 

             They should know that the United States stands unequivocally with them and their noble commitment to democracy and respect for universally recognized human rights.”

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