On April 5, 2026, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) granted precautionary measures in favor of Bayardo Arce Castaño, former presidential advisor on Economic Affairs, and his family unit, after determining that the former guerrilla commander is in a “serious and urgent” situation in the custody of the Nicaraguan State.
Through Resolution 23/2026the inter-American organization demanded immediate action from the Government of Nicaragua to guarantee the life, integrity and health of Arce, who has been detained since July 2025.
The decision of the IACHR It is based on reports on Arce Castaño’s confinement conditions. According to the request submitted to the agency, the beneficiary is under a severe isolation regime, without access to specialized medical care for his chronic conditions, a critical factor given his condition as an elderly person.
The autonomous body of the OAS highlighted that the lack of official information about his current condition and the limited contact with his family aggravate the risk of “irreparable harm.”
According to the IACHR, the State of Nicaragua did not provide information or respond to the Commission’s requirements during the analysis process.
On March 22, 2026, The Ortega dictatorship released a series of images by Bayardo Arce, in which he appeared extremely emaciated. Previous days, the six sons and daughters of the former presidential advisor demanded – through a public letter – “public proof of life” of the former member of the FSLN National Directorate.
Demands on the State
The binding resolution of the IACHR demands that the Nicaraguan authorities comply with the following points:
- Immediate medical assessment: Perform a comprehensive examination and ensure access to medications and specialists.
- Adequacy of conditions: Ensure that the place of detention meets international standards for elderly people.
- Cessation of family harassment: The IACHR identified a pattern of surveillance and intimidation against Arce’s immediate family, which is why it demands protection measures for his relatives.
- Communication: Ensure regular contact with lawyers and family members.
The Commission clarified that the granting of these measures does not imply a prejudgment on the merits of a possible claim for violations of the American Convention, but rather acts as a prevention mechanism in the event of an imminent risk.
Bayardo Arce joins the list of political figures about whom the IACHR has issued urgent statements due to the lack of procedural and health guarantees in the country’s prison system.
At the end of January 2026, The justice of the Ortega dictatorship condemned Bayardo Arce for the alleged crime of “money laundering, in the form of defrauding the State of Nicaragua,” according to a statement from the Attorney General’s Office (PGJ). In addition, all his companies were canceled and all his assets were confiscated.
