The United States remains deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in Nicaragua, and condemns the overnight violence that left at least two student demonstrators dead and many more injured.

Those responsible for killings and other human rights abuses and violations must be brought to justice. We call on the Nicaraguan government to respect the rights of protesters and to create the conditions needed for a credible dialogue, including the cessation of all violence. The Government of Nicaragua should allow independent international human rights organizations, such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, to assess the human rights situation in Nicaragua.

We reiterate our strong support for the Nicaraguan people and their demands for genuine democracy.