Managua - The Nicaraguan dictatorship of Daniel Ortega has ordered the dissolution of Caritas Nicaragua and two universities, John Paul II Catholic University and the Autonomous Christian University.

The Ministry of the Interior cancelled the legal status of Caritas Jinotega and Caritas Nicaragua, aid organizations of the Catholic Church that assists those most in need in the Central American country.

The government cited a voluntary dissolution request from Caritas. However, local media reports indicate that the Nicaraguan dictatorship imposed endless obstacles on Caritas Nicaragua, forcing them to request their dissolution.

Caritas Jinotega, provides food and medical assistance to the country's poorest. The organisation was denied authorization to receive donations from other organizations by the Ministry of the Interior, leading to its closure.

The government also revoked the legal status of two institutions on the same day, including John Paul II Catholic University, citing non-compliance with regulations. The CNU will proceed to relocate the students who were enrolled in the two universities to other institutions. The cancellation affects the students and campuses of the John Paul II Catholic University in Managua, Juigalpa Chontales, Matagalpa, and Granada, as well as UCAN and its locations in León, Chinandega, Estelí, Juigalpa Chontales, Masaya, and Matagalpa.

The cancellation of Caritas Nicaragua and the shutdown of the universities have attracted criticism from local lawyers, researchers, and students. Lawyer and researcher Martha Patricia Molina lamented that the measure seriously harms the families of the communities surrounding the university, who took their children to classes and to get fed.

The closure of Caritas Nicaragua also affects the country's poorest people, who relied on the organization's aid.

The Nicaraguan dictatorship's decision to revoke the legal status of these institutions highlights its disregard for the welfare of the people and its commitment to suppressing dissent.