Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega Accuses Brother of Treason Over 1992 Medal Award

A fierce family feud has erupted in Nicaragua as President Daniel Ortega accuses his brother, former Sandinista Popular Army chief Humberto Ortega, of treason. The controversy centers on a medal awarded to a US military officer in 1992, which Daniel Ortega has now annulled.

In 1992, Humberto Ortega awarded the 'Camilo Ortega' medal to US Government attaché Lieutenant Colonel Dennis F. Quinn. This medal, named after their brother Camilo Ortega, is considered a symbol of Nicaraguan resistance against US aggression. The award has now been invalidated by Daniel Ortega, who labeled it 'an infamy' and 'a betrayal of the people and the homeland.'

The annulment took place on May 28, 2024, during a public event where Daniel Ortega used derogatory terms to describe his brother's actions. He declared, 'How shameful! What a disgrace! A betrayal of the people! A betrayal of the homeland!' and accused Humberto of having 'given his soul to the devil' 32 years ago.

The event was attended by the high command of the Nicaraguan Army, the Police leadership, and hundreds of military personnel and Ortega supporters. The public denunciation and annulment of the medal highlight the deep-seated tensions within the Ortega family and the ruling regime.

This incident highlights the deep-seated tensions within the Ortega family and the ruling regime, which could have significant implications for the future of Nicaragua's leadership. The public accusations of treason and the annulment of the medal may lead to further instability and power struggles within the government.

Humberto Ortega has been under house arrest since May 19, 2024, following an interview with Argentine media outlet Infobae. In the interview, he questioned the dictatorial succession of his brother and called for elections after Daniel Ortega's death. This statement was perceived as a direct challenge to Rosario Murillo, Daniel Ortega's wife and vice president.

Rosario Murillo, a prominent figure in the Nicaraguan government, condemned Humberto's actions as 'disgraceful' and reiterated that the 'Camilo Ortega' medal symbolizes resistance against US aggression. Rewritten text: Rosario Murillo, a prominent figure in the Nicaraguan government, condemned Humberto's actions as 'disgraceful' and reiterated that the 'Camilo Ortega' medal symbolizes resistance against US aggression. Her denunciation aligns with Daniel Ortega's stance, further solidifying the regime's position against Humberto.

The incident has raised questions about the future of Nicaragua's leadership. Humberto Ortega's acknowledgment that there are no suitable successors to Daniel Ortega's 'tyrannical' rule highlights the uncertainty surrounding the country's political future.

The Ortega-Murillo regime continues to wrestle with internal family dynamics and power struggles, the annulment of the medal and the public accusations of treason against Humberto Ortega highlight the complex and volatile nature of Nicaraguan politics.

Key Takeaways

• Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega accuses his brother Humberto of treason over a 1992 medal awarded to a US military officer.
• Daniel Ortega annulled the "Camilo Ortega" medal, calling it "an infamy" and "a betrayal of the people and the homeland."
• Humberto Ortega has been under house arrest since May 19, 2024, after questioning his brother's dictatorial succession.
• Rosario Murillo, Daniel's wife and VP, condemned Humberto's actions as "disgraceful" and supported the medal's annulment.
• The incident highlights deep-seated tensions within the Ortega family and ruling regime, potentially impacting Nicaragua's future leadership.