The Nicaraguan government says a private TV station seized by police in December will not be returned to its owners, alleging the media outlet had been used to incite anti-government violence.
Critics of the government of President Daniel Ortega said the government allegation is false and that authorities are continuing a campaign to intimidate journalists and muzzle free speech.
The decision not to return the 100 per cent Noticias TV station and license to transmit news was announced by the Nicaraguan government in a 24-page statement to the Inter-American Human Rights Commission.
The September 20 statement, which was seen by The Associated Press on Saturday, was a response to a commission request that the TV station be returned to its owners.
The government told the commission that the occupation of the TV station was necessary while it investigated the station's director, Miguel Mora, and head of news Luca Pineda for alleged involvement in a "failed coup attempt."
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