MIAMI.- The Nicaraguan diaspora reaffirmed its commitment to continue fighting for justice, freedom and democracy in Nicaragua and they raised their prayers during a mass at the Santa Agatha church in Miami officiated by priests Marcos Somarriba and Edwin Roman as a preamble to a later demonstration in Rubén Darío park.
In his homily, priest Samarriba focused his message on cohesion in the face of totalitarian outrages: “Jesus’ love for people has no limits. But although the good shepherd gives his life to save the life of the flock; “The flock has to stay united in the face of danger because divided it will not survive.”
Various organizations of Nicaraguans in exile commemorate the sixth anniversary of the social uprising of April 2018 in Nicaragua through a series of activities that include marches, forums, masses, plays and commemorative events, mainly carried out in the United States, Spain and Costa Rica.
DIARIO LAS AMERICAS spoke with Ignacio Acosta, one of the faithful gathered in the Church: “I ask God that our country can be freed from that murderous government. God has to listen to the plea of an entire people. “I have faith that we can return to our country and that there will be no more abuses or injustices.”
For her part, Yaritza Mairena, a politically released prisoner, highlighted that this commemorative day is a way to honor the victims and remember the suffering that the people of Nicaragua have faced. Additionally, it serves as a message of hope and solidarity for those who continue to resist within the country.
Azucena López, a relative of one of the April victims, stressed that this day is a tribute to all those who have suffered the repression of the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, including those who have been murdered, kidnapped, arbitrarily imprisoned, tortured or forced into exile.
The proclamation issued by the organizations of Nicaraguans in exile denounces the totalitarian actions of the regime, which have included the demolition of the rule of law, the repression of public institutions and the persecution of political organizations and civil society. The confiscation of universities, religious persecution and the detention of political prisoners are also mentioned.
Commemorative activities include a central event in San José, Costa Rica, a concert in tribute to the victims and a pine fair in the Plaza de la Democracia. Additionally, marches will be held in Miami, Los Angeles and Houston, as well as masses in San Francisco and Los Angeles to remember the students killed during the protests.
The day will culminate on May 5 with a commemorative event in Indianapolis, and all activities will be broadcast through social networks.
According to the Pew Research Center, in 2021 there were close to 450,000 Nicaraguans residing in the United States, with 37% concentrated in south Florida.
