Key facts
- Nicaraguan indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera died in state custody.
- Rivera was 73 years old.
- Nicaragua's health ministry stated Rivera died from bacteria generated by COVID-19.
- Rivera had been detained since September 2023.
- Human rights groups allege he was a victim of political persecution and arbitrary detention.
Brooklyn Rivera, a prominent indigenous leader and former lawmaker in Nicaragua, died in state custody. His death occurred after a period of detention and increasing international concern over his well-being, with human rights groups alleging arbitrary detention and political persecution. The circumstances of his death highlight ongoing human rights issues in Nicaragua.