Nicaraguan pro-democracy activist Félix Maradiaga is on a mission to combat the severe challenges facing his country under the autocratic rule of Daniel Ortega. At the 2024 Bitcoin Policy Summit, Maradiaga shared his insights on the alarming rate at which Nicaraguan people are losing their freedoms.
According to Maradiaga, Nicaragua has been labeled as the country that has lost the most freedoms over the last year, with individuals facing imprisonment for simple acts such as raising the national flag or expressing opinions on social media. The oppressive environment has led to the arbitrary detention of 130 individuals for political reasons and forced nearly 12% of the population into exile.
Maradiaga is now working to rebuild the capacity of the democratic opposition in Nicaragua from abroad, using Bitcoin to circumvent the financial repression employed by the Ortega regime. He emphasized that Bitcoin is the only tool that is “bulletproof” to financial repression from dictators.
Reflecting on global policy, Maradiaga discussed the misuse of anti-money laundering regulations by oppressive regimes to target freedom fighters. He urged policymakers worldwide to educate themselves about Bitcoin, emphasizing its potential to tackle challenges more effectively than the traditional monetary system.
Maradiaga also highlighted the importance of collaboration in the global fight against dictators, stressing the need for those who believe in freedom and human rights to work together. He invited people to get involved with his efforts at the World Liberty Congress.
Overall, Maradiaga’s advocacy for using Bitcoin as a tool for freedom and democracy in Nicaragua serves as a powerful example of leveraging technology to combat oppression and promote human rights.
