THE Scottish Government has said it is “shocked” by the “needless loss of life” in Nicaragua.
In a rare foreign policy intervention, ministers condemned human rights abuses in the crisis ridden Central American nation.
At least 160 people are thought to have been killed in eight weeks of violent clashes, and there has been widespread condemnation of repression of protests against Nicaragua's president, Daniel Ortega.
The clashes included an incident in which a march led by victims’ mothers was met with gunfire, killing at least 16 people.
However, the Scottish Government has now added its voice to that criticism.
The department of Fiona Hyslop, the cabinet secretary for external affairs, made the remarks in a letter replying to human rights campaigners.
The government had been asked to speak out over the deaths in Nicaragua.
In its letter, Hyslop's department said: “The Scottish Government shares your concerns about the violence in Nicaragua, which has escalated since April 2018, resulting in over 100 civilian deaths.
“We are shocked by this needless loss of life and the disproportionate response of the Nicaraguan authorities. The Scottish Government will always seek to champion human rights and condemns abuses of those rights.
“As a good global citizen, we aim to demonstrate leadership and are actively committed to securing democracy, the rule of law and human rights across the world.
“We support the UN Secretary-General’s calls for the Nicaraguan government to ensure the protection of human rights of all citizens, particularly the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
“The Scottish Government condemns violence against peaceful protesters, arbitrary detentions, media restrictions, and the use of live ammunition, and urges the Nicaraguan government stop repression of peaceful protests and to ensure a thorough investigation of all reports of human rights abuses.”
A 24-hour general strike last week brought much of Nicaragua to a standstill, as anti-government campaigners demanded the resignation of Ortega.
Protests against Ortega began on April 19 after the government imposed cuts to pension and social security programme.
The Scottish Government's intervention was welcomed by acclaimed Scottish scriptwriter Paul Laverty.
He penned the award-winning 1996 film Carla's Song, which was directed by Ken Loach and is set against the backdrop of the left wing Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua in the 1980s.
Laverty, who was also a medical aid worker in Nicaragua the 1980s, said: "I am heartened to see the Scottish Government make a clear statement on violence perpetuated by Ortega's government, especially as there has been so much historic solidarity between Scotland and Nicaragua.
"International condemnation of the repression is very important, and gives hope and protection to those inside seeking change.
"What many people don't realise is that Daniel Ortega and his wife, vice president Rosario Murillo, do not represent the old values of the Sandinista party that we knew from the revolution of 1979 and following.
"It is clear the grassroots in Nicaragua demand change and it is doubtful Ortega can now control the civic alliance against him.
"The long suffering people of Nicaragua deserve peace and justice, and they will need the support of the international community to achieve it."
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