Masses, marches and a book presentation mark the sixth anniversary
HAVANA TIMES – Special Masses, commemorative marches and a book presentation are among the activities Nicaraguans in exile are preparing to honor the victims of the April massacres, perpetrated in 2018 by the Ortega-Murillo dictatorship.
This year, 2024, marks six years since Nicaragua saw massive anti-government demonstrations, followed by the Ortega regime’s murderous crackdown.
The period around April 18th, when protests first became generalized, will see religious acts dedicated to the victims of that fatal April, demonstrations of solidarity with the mothers of those killed in the protests, campaigns demanding the liberation of the current political prisoners, and even the presentation of a book that pieces together part of the historic memory of this difficult chapter in Nicaraguan history. All these activities will take place in different countries around the world, where the Nicaraguan diaspora and organizations in exile continue actively demanding freedom for their country.
Inside Nicaragua, the dictatorship doesn’t permit any activity, word, or gesture in memory of the April victims – on the contrary the government plans to present a program of festive events with which they’re attempting to justify their criminal acts as defending the peace.
However, the April Mothers’ Association has used their social networks to maintain the call not to forget the victims.
“Since 2018, we have called people together to grieve the assassination of our family members and renew the demand for justice. During these years, we’ve honored the memory of our loved ones, so they do not vanish into forgetfulness, and we continue working to clarify the circumstances surrounding their killings. This April, we invite you to continue adding your voices to the call for justice,” reads their campaign in memory of the victims.
The April Mothers’ Association, in collaboration with the San Isidro Labrador Church in Costa Rica, will offer a special Mass on April 14 dedicated to “Liberty, truth, justice and democracy.” The San Isidro Labrador Church is located in the Costa Rican Canton of Vasque