Transnational Repression Against Nicaraguan Opposition Migrants.

Transnational repression refers to governments' efforts to persecute members of their diasporas to control their activities and prevent acts of political dissent abroad. Such actions have been on the rise due to technological advancements in recent decades. While cases involving China, Turkey, and Russia have been extensively analyzed in the literature, this phenomenon is only just beginning to emerge in Latin America. Nicaragua has recently joined this trend, implementing internal policies such as revoking the citizenship of over 300 political opponents abroad and taking direct repressive actions against its nationals living in other countries.

This paper analyzes the types of transnational repression faced by migrant political opponents, their roles as opponents abroad, and the factors explaining the types of repression they suffer. Data were collected from in-depth interviews with Nicaraguan refugee social and political activists based in Costa Rica, the United States, Mexico, and Spain. The data were also contrasted with documentary analysis, mainly from internet news and international reports, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of repression and resistance within Nicaraguan diaspora communities.

The results indicate that, despite leaving the country and, in many cases, being granted international protection status, opposition members are still targeted by repressive actions. The persecution faced by these individuals and their families hinders their ability to continue their political work due to fear of the consequences. Data also reveal common repressive practices experienced by all dissidents, with the most severe actions targeted at those with significant media presence and political influence. Finally, socio-demographic characteristics and life situations are important factors in explaining the types of repression experienced.