Nicaraguan Indigenous Leader Brooklyn Rivera Dies in Detention

Nicaraguan Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera has died in detention after being held since 2023. Human rights groups accused President Daniel Ortega’s government of neglect and repression following his death.

Nicaraguan Indigenous leader and activist Brooklyn Rivera has died after suffering health complications while in detention, according to a statement released on Sunday by the country’s Health Ministry.
The government had only recently confirmed that Rivera had been in custody since 2023, following months of pressure from United Nations representatives, the United States government, and members of his family who repeatedly demanded proof that he was still alive.
In a statement carried by state-run media outlets, the Health Ministry announced Rivera’s death, saying authorities “regret to confirm that he has sadly passed away.”
Officials claimed that Rivera’s worsening physical and neurological condition was linked to a bacterial infection associated with the COVID-19 virus. The ministry added that doctors made “enormous” efforts to save his life.
Earlier in the week, the Nicaraguan government released photographs showing Rivera connected to a ventilator and admitted that his condition had become critical.
Rivera, who was 73 years old, was widely known as a respected leader of the Miskito Indigenous people and had previously served as a member of Nicaragua’s Congress. He was arrested in 2023 by the left-wing government of President Daniel Ortega under charges that were never publicly disclosed.
Reports published in 2024 stated that Nicaraguan authorities informed the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that Rivera’s parliamentary immunity had been revoked. The government was reportedly preparing investigations into alleged serious crimes, including treason.
Rivera’s daughter, Tininiska Rivera, who is living in exile, called on the government to release her father’s body so he could be buried according to Miskito traditions. She also denied government claims that relatives had been with Rivera during his final moments.
The activist’s death sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups and international observers.
Reed Brody, an American human rights lawyer and member of a United Nations expert group on Nicaragua, criticized the government’s handling of Rivera’s detention and death. Brody referenced earlier comments from the Ortega administration that had described Rivera as a “brother” and claimed officials were praying for him.
“They took him alive, and after refusing to tell his family, his lawyer, the world anything about his fate, then they call him brother,” Brody said.
He further described the government’s actions as “unconscionable cynicism,” accusing authorities of attempting to create the impression that they were helping Rivera despite keeping information about his condition hidden for months.
Manuel Orozco, a director at the Inter-American Dialogue, also condemned the circumstances surrounding Rivera’s death, saying it resulted from “complete neglect.”
“His death represents the magnitude of repression,” Orozco stated.
The Argentina-based Inter-American Center for Legal Assistance in Human Rights also reacted strongly, issuing a statement on X demanding that those responsible for Rivera’s death be held criminally accountable.
Albert R. Ramdin, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, expressed deep concern over the reports of Rivera’s death and called for an independent investigation.
“His death demands an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation,” Ramdin wrote on X. “The rights to life, personal integrity, and due process must be guaranteed.”