The purpose of this hearing is to examine the ongoing political crisis in Nicaragua, including human rights violations committed by the Ortega regime. The hearing will also discuss U.S. policy in Nicaragua and provide a future outlook for achieving democracy in the country through free and fair elections.

Witnesses

Mr. Jose Miguel Vivanco
Executive Director
Americas Division
Human Rights Watch

[full text of statement]

Mr. Felix Maradiaga
Executive Director
Instituto de Estudios Estratégicos y Políticas Públicas

[full text of statement]

Carlos Ponce, Ph.D.
Director of Latin American Programs
Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation

[full text of statement]