Story perspectives

Nicaragua Strips Thousands of Lawyers' Licenses, UN Calls Purge

7/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

UN expert calls the sudden removal of thousands of Nicaraguan lawyers’ licences a systematic purge.
The Ortega-Murillo government erased hundreds of lawyers’ certifications from the Supreme Court registry without notice.
Human-rights lawyer Reed Brody says the revocations target anyone who could challenge state power.
The revocations also affect lawyers abroad and those handling non-political cases, indicating a broader effort to undermine judicial independence.

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Story summary

UN expert calls the sudden removal of thousands of Nicaraguan lawyers’ licences a systematic purge.
The Ortega-Murillo government erased hundreds of lawyers’ certifications from the Supreme Court registry without notice.
Human-rights lawyer Reed Brody says the revocations target anyone who could challenge state power.
The revocations also affect lawyers abroad and those handling non-political cases, indicating a broader effort to undermine judicial independence.