Thelma Brenes Muñoz has written a heartfelt letter to her father, Carlos Brenes, who has been missing for over four months amid Nicaragua's political crackdown. In the letter, published by Confidencial, she voices her anguish over his unknown fate and the harsh conditions endured by political prisoners. She describes the current situation as worse and crueler than in 2018.
Thelma Brenes Muñoz, in a letter originally published in Spanish by Confidencial and translated into English by Havana Times, addresses her father Carlos Brenes, 70 years old, who stopped responding to messages on August 14. "Since August 14, the word uncertainty has taken on a whole new meaning for me: I live in it every day, every hour," writes Thelma, recalling how her messages were left on 'seen' without reply.
Carlos Brenes was living quietly on his farm in Masaya, following imposed rules: reporting to police every four days and sending photos via WhatsApp. His disappearance, along with that of his partner Salvadora, appeared in news and social media. According to December human rights reports, there are 62 forcibly disappeared people; Carlos is number 9 and Salvadora number 35 on the list.
Thelma voices concern for her father's health, as he suffers from diabetes, back pain, leg tingling, and high blood pressure. She wonders if he is receiving his medications properly. She mentions the prison deaths of Mauricio Alonso and Carlos Cárdenas at the end of August, whose families received sealed coffins and had to bury them under police escort.
In talks with other relatives, they agree this time is worse than in 2018: no confirmation of prisoners' locations, no visits, packages, or medications. "All we want is to find a way to tell them that they are not alone and that we have not abandoned them," she states. Thelma dismisses likely fabricated charges like terrorist or traitor, emphasizing her father's integrity. At 70, Carlos faces an unjust situation again, and his daughter vows to continue searching until she knows his whereabouts.