Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo carries out a sweeping purge in the country’s justice system, resulting in the dismissal of over 900 officials at all levels.
In a shocking turn of events, the president of Nicaragua’s Supreme Court of Justice, Judge Alba Luz Ramos, was abruptly dismissed by order of Vice President Rosario Murillo. This move is part of an unprecedented purge that has targeted the country’s justice system, resulting in the removal of nearly 10% of the judiciary’s staff. The purge, which extends from judges to janitors, has raised concerns about the erosion of judicial independence and the consolidation of power within the Ortega-Murillo regime.
The Plot Against Judge Alba Luz Ramos
Just days before her dismissal, Judge Alba Luz Ramos was enjoying the city’s patron saint festivities with her friends, unaware of the plot being hatched against her. Known for her loyalty to President Daniel Ortega, Ramos could not have anticipated her sudden eviction from office. The order to dismiss her came from none other than Rosario Murillo, the powerful “co-president” and wife of President Ortega. This purge, which has been carried out secretly, has targeted not only high-ranking officials but also support staff, signaling a comprehensive overhaul of the justice system.
Murillo’s Grip on Power
Rosario Murillo, the second-in-command of the Sandinista regime, has been steadily gaining power within the government. Taking over spaces that were once controlled by President Ortega himself, Murillo has been appointing loyalists to key positions. This power play has led to the displacement of long-standing members of the Sandinista Front, further solidifying Murillo’s influence. The strained relationship between Murillo and Judge Ramos dates back to the 1980s, and the recent corruption allegations provided Murillo with an opportunity to remove Ramos, who had always been protected by President Ortega.
Unprecedented Purge in the Judiciary
The purge orchestrated by Murillo extends far beyond the dismissal of Judge Ramos. Over 900 officials have been removed from their positions, including senior magistrates, appeals judges, and administrative personnel. The dismissals have not spared even the president of the Civil Section, Yadira Centeno. This widespread purge has sent shockwaves through the judiciary, leaving those who remain in fear and uncertainty.
Murillo’s Control Through Judge Marvin Ramiro Aguilar García
Judge Marvin Ramiro Aguilar García, a loyalist to Vice President Murillo, has assumed a prominent role in the judiciary. A memo sent to court workers confirmed his appointment as the “acting president” of the Supreme Court. While Aguilar García has not attracted much attention in the past, he has faced sanctions from the United States for coordinating attacks against members of the pro-democracy opposition. Aguilar García’s rise to power further solidifies Murillo’s control over the judiciary.
Camilo Ortega Herrera Dismissed
The purge has also affected President Ortega’s own family, as his first-born son, Camilo Ortega Herrera, was dismissed from his position as head of a technical division in the Supreme Court. The atmosphere among those who remain in the judiciary is one of terror and paralysis, as they fear they could be the next targets of Murillo’s sweeping actions.
Constitutional Changes and Vacancies
Murillo’s purge has even led to constitutional changes, stripping the Supreme Court of its power to supervise the administrative functioning of public registries. Additionally, there are currently 10 vacancies within the judiciary that will need to be filled in the coming months. It is expected that Murillo, with the consensus of President Ortega, will have the final say in appointing new magistrates. This consolidation of power raises concerns about the future of judicial independence in Nicaragua.
Conclusion: The unprecedented purge in Nicaragua’s justice system, orchestrated by Vice President Rosario Murillo, has sent shockwaves through the country. With over 900 officials dismissed, including high-ranking judges, the purge has raised concerns about the erosion of judicial independence and the consolidation of power within the Ortega-Murillo regime. As Murillo continues to tighten her grip on the government, the future of Nicaragua’s justice system remains uncertain, leaving many to question the state of democracy in the country.
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