Nicaragua – Release of two French citizens - Press release issued by Catherine Colonna, ministry for Europe and Foreign affairs (9 February 2023)

I am glad that our two compatriots, Jeannine Horvilleur Cuadra and Ana Carolina Alvarez Horvilleur, have been released, along with the over 220 prisoners who were being arbitrarily detained in Nicaragua.

France mobilized efforts at the highest levels to obtain the release of Jeannine Horvilleur Cuadra and Ana Carolina Alvarez Horvilleur. I would like to thank the United States for the work they have done to achieve this positive outcome.

I would like to reiterate France’s call for Nicaragua to return to the rule of law, immediately release the individuals who are being arbitrarily detained, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez, and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. In light of this, yesterday’s release constitutes a first step in this direction.