Sandinista veteran, Ortega ally, arrested in Nicaragua corruption probe
Al Jazeera4 days
Nicaragua Arrests Economic Advisor Bayardo Arce
Above: President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro and Daniel Ortega (R) at Palacio Federal Legislativo on Jan. 10, 2025, in Caracas, Venezuela. Image copyright: Jesus Vargas/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
The arrest represents a necessary measure of accountability for corruption within government ranks. Arce refused to cooperate with legitimate investigations into questionable financial transactions involving state assets. The Attorney General's Office followed proper legal procedures by summoning him twice before taking action.
Government-critical narrative
This arrest is part of a calculated purge by Rosario Murillo aimed at eliminating veteran revolutionaries who might challenge her succession plans. The regime is systematically targeting historic Sandinista commanders who helped bring Ortega to power. The corruption charges appear politically motivated rather than based on genuine legal concerns.