Brooklyn Rivera, a key figure among the Miskito political leaders, was arrested by the Nicaraguan government in 2023. At 73, he passed away while in state custody, sparking controversy over the circumstances of his death.

Mr. Rivera was renowned for his role as a legislator and leader of the Miskito people, Nicaragua’s largest Indigenous group. Reports from his family, activists, and local media confirmed his death on a Saturday. This occurred just three days after the government released images of him appearing bedridden and intubated, which drew criticism from human rights organizations.

The announcement of his death came from the health ministry run by co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo. It stated that despite “enormous and intense efforts,” he succumbed to “a bacteria generated” by Covid.

Family members, along with human rights and Indigenous groups, criticized the conditions of his detention and the official narrative surrounding his death. In a statement, his daughter, Tininiska Rivera, expressed deep sorrow and concern about the conditions leading to his passing.

After pressure from the international community, the government disclosed photos of Mr. Rivera hospitalized in Managua. His family questioned the quality of care he received, while authorities claimed he had “longstanding conditions” and noted that one of his sons had been visiting him biweekly.