Prominent Miskito Leader Brooklyn Rivera Dies in State Custody

Brooklyn Rivera, aged 73, was a notable Indigenous leader in Nicaragua. He was arrested in 2023 during a crackdown on political dissent and Indigenous rights. Rivera passed away over the weekend while detained by the state.

Rivera, formerly a lawmaker and leader of the Miskito community, died on a Saturday, as reported by his relatives, activists, and local media. His death occurred only days after the release of photos showing him in a severely weakened state, sparking outrage from human rights organizations.

The health ministry, led by co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, delayed the announcement of Rivera’s death until Sunday. They stated his death resulted from “a bacteria generated” by Covid-19, despite their “enormous and intense efforts.”

Rivera’s family, along with human rights and Indigenous groups, expressed their sorrow and discontent with how he was treated while in custody. “I express my profound grief and concern regarding the circumstances under which his death occurred,” declared his daughter, Tininiska Rivera, in a statement.

The government had previously kept Rivera’s location a secret. Photos and health updates were released under international pressure, showing him in a hospital in Managua. Authorities claimed Rivera had “longstanding conditions” and that a son visited him bi-weekly. Tininiska Rivera, however, questioned the adequacy of his care.