Nicaraguan Incumbent Arrests 5 Opposition Leaders In One Day

President Daniel Ortega's government has detained 12 opponents since June 2, moving beyond candidates challenging him to any prominent opposition member.

MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) — The government of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega arrested five opposition leaders Sunday during the biggest one-day round up so far, in what appears to be widespread detentions of anyone who might challenge his rule. The moves over the weekend suggest Ortega has moved beyond arresting potential opposition candidates in the Nov. 7 elections, and has begun arresting any prominent member of the opposition. Sunday’s arrests bring to 12 the number of opponents detained since June 2. “It’s not just potential candidates any more, it’s political leaders,” former general and Sandinista dissident Hugo Torres said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press before he himself was arrested. “This is not a transition to dictatorship, it is a dictatorship in every way.”