Updates

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

UPDATE AND ACTION ALERT
IN SUPPORT OF DOROTHY GRANADA
AND THE WOMEN'S CLINIC OF MULUKUKU
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


January 14, 2001

DEAR FRIENDS of Dorothy Granada and the Women's Clinic in Mulukuku,

 This message is divided into four sections: 1) Update; 2) Analysis; 3) Suggested Actions; and 4) Contact Numbers.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
1) UPDATE:

· MESSAGE FROM DOROTHY. First of all, Dorothy sends her love and gratitude to all for your amazing support over the last few weeks. She is fine and tells us that - for the first time - she feels hopeful. This week promises to be important in Nicaragua. Here is why:

· HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT. The Ombudsman of the Human Rights Commission of the National Assembly is likely to issue his report on the investigation into the closing of the clinic in Mulukuku and the government's charges against Dorothy Granada. The report is expected to be favorable.

· APPEALS COURT. There are signs that the Appeals Court will soon issue its verdict on whether to allow Dorothy a hearing to fight her deportation order. In the past few days, the Nicaraguan newspapers have implied that the government may be softening its position. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Jose Marenco, has publicly stated that he will respect the decision of the Appeals Court.

· CAUSE FOR HOPE? Later this week, both the Nicaraguan government and representatives of its non-governmental organizations (NGOs) head to Spain for a meeting of the Regional Consultative Group to discuss regional development. The government's persecution of the NGO's may be brought to the table. To prevent criticism, the government may try to resolve the situation before these meetings. President Aleman has had conciliatory talks with Ana Quiros, president of the Coordinadora Civil (the organization representing civil society) saying he is interested in a solution satisfactory to both sides.

· SANDINISTAS SUPPORT DOROTHY. Last Wednesday, President Aleman gave his fourth and final "state of the nation" report in the National Assembly to open the next legislative session. As he was saying "with pride and satisfaction I proclaim that during my liberal government's reign there has not been, nor will ever be, political prisoners, nor have we ever disrespected or limited in any way the freedom of the press," two Sandinista legislators unfurled a huge banner right next to him demanding that the government cease its repression of Dorothy Granada. Spanish-speakers can access the article in the digital edition of El Nuevo Diario which can be found under "What's New" on the website that Daniel Zwickel has been maintaining especially for this emergency campaign. Dorothy told us she loves it.

· ECUMENICAL LETTER. Today, Sunday, a paid ad consisting of an open letter to the president was scheduled to appear in the two major newspapers. The ad represents a coordinated effort by U.S. and Nicaraguan churches and faith-based organizations. The letter addresses the broader issue of Nicaragua's treatment of NGOs and foreign assistance. It calls upon the Nicaraguan government to create a climate which is open to international aid and to end the persecution of humanitarian workers. It specifically calls for the Women's Cooperative and Clinic in Mulukuku to be reopened and for an end to the attempts to deport Dorothy Granada. This powerful letter is included below and as an attachment.

· FREEDOM OF THE PRESS?? Interestingly, although La Prensa initially approved the ad and accepted payment for it, at the last moment they informed us that the editorial board had decided not to print it.

<><><><><><><><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

2) ANALYSIS:

We have posted an analysis of the current situation in an attempt to answer the oft-heard questions, "Why is all this going on? What is behind the attacks on Dorothy Granada? Why has the government shut down the only clinic in a poor rural area? Why is this crisis so important to women's groups, human rights groups and civil society in Nicaragua?" This helpful analysis is posted here on our website.

The analysis puts the crisis in Mulukuku in the context of problems with the government's posture towards NGO's in general. Since the government is now talking with representatives of civil society about resolving these problems, the plight of Dorothy and the Women's Clinic in Mulukuku could be resolved in the process of these discussions.

<><><><><><<><><><><>><><><<><><><><><><><><><>

3) SUGGESTED ACTIONS:

· PRESIDENT ALEMAN AND JOSE MARENCO, his Minister of Internal Affairs, are coming under increasing pressure to come to an acceptable agreement with the NGOs., if they wish to continue receiving international development aid. This is a very good week to fax letters to both of them. Ask them to respect the rights of the NGO's to continue their essential roles in providing for the basic necessities of the Nicaraguan people. Let them know that people around the world are interested and are watching the situation closely.

· EMERGENCY FUNDS continue to be very important to the success of this momentous struggle for human rights and health care in Nicaragua. Those wishing to contribute funds to help with Dorothy's legal and other emergency expenses can make checks out to St. Boniface Episcopal Church, mark them "Emergency Fund," and send them to the Women's Empowerment Network, 309 Cedar, PMB 547, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Contributions are tax-deductible.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

4) CONTACT NUMBERS

President Arnoldo Aleman
Fax: 011-505-228-7911

Ingeniero Jose Bosco Marenco Cardenal, Ministro de Gobernacion (Internal Affairs)
Fax: 011-505-222-7778

Please let us know of your progress and/or send us copies of your letters by email or fax.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIGNITY FOR ALL,

Jill Winegardner and Gerry Condon
Santa Cruz Support Committee for Dorothy Granada and the Women's Clinic in Mulukuku (Women's Empowerment Network)
Tel/fax: 831-768-7004
Jill Winegardner

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

January 12, 2001

Honorable President Arnoldo Aleman
Managua, Nicaragua

Dear President Aleman:

For twenty years, aid organizations, economic development agencies, faith-based organizations, human rights groups, education promoters, and medical teams from around the world have formed partnerships with Nicaragua to rebuild its economic, social, and religious institutions. The tangible and intangible contributions of these groups have aided the transition to democracy in Nicaragua and have produced valuable connections between Nicaragua and the world community.

Actions of the Aleman administration to discredit one such organization, Ayuda Obrera Suiza, to close the Maria Luisa Ortiz Cooperative in Mulukuku, and to deport an international health worker, Dorothy Granada, are the most recent in a series of actions against international partners. Prohibitive duty on contributed goods, harassment of non-governmental organizations and their staff, and reckless accusations against people who work tirelessly on behalf of Nicaragua's poorest people give rise to grave concerns for us. The current climate of intimidation of non-governmental organizations is unacceptable. Our solidarity with the people of Nicaragua continues to guide us in our advocacy efforts and we are dedicated to supporting strong civil society engagement in Nicaragua.

Given the recent attention on Nicaragua in international fora due to its consideration for acceptance into HIPC, Nicaragua can ill afford the erosion of trust and cooperation that threatens its partners.

Dr. Aleman, as representatives of faith-based and non-governmental organizations working in partnership with Nicaraguan civil society, we urgently request the following:
Allow the Maria Luisa Ortiz Cooperative and Clinic to resume operation;

Fulfill the government's obligation to provide heath services to Mulukuku;

End efforts to deport Dorothy Granada;

Be a responsible steward of contributed resources;

Uphold the climate of openness to international partnership;

Stop all unwarranted harassment of aid workers;

Implement a policy and take actions to promote cooperation with the non-governmental organizations that are working for the development of the Nicaraguan people.
Respectfully, we wish you and the people of Nicaragua a year of grace and peace.

Ms. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, Esq.
Director of the Washington Office and Associate General Secretary for Public Witness
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA

Marie Dennis
Director
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns

Dr. Gustavo Parajon
President
CEPAD (Concilio de Iglesias Evangelicas Pro Alianza Denominacional)
Managua, Nicaragua

Dr. Benjamín Cortés Orochena
Secretary General
CIEETS (Centro Intereclesial de Estudios Teologicos y Sociales)

Reverendo Miguel Tomas Castro
Iglesia Bautista Emmanuel
San Salvador, El Salvador

Dra. Noemy Espinoza
Comunidad Cristiana Mesoamericana
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Nadine L. Monn
Consulting Specialist
Latin American/Caribbean Office
Church of the Brethren

Janet G. Chisholm
Interim Co-Executive Director
Fellowship of Reconciliation

Rabbi David Saperstein
Director
Union of American Hebrew Congregations

Mary H. Miller
Executive Secretary
Episcopal Peace Fellowship

Reverend David Vargas
Executive for the Latin American & Caribbean Global Ministries
United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ

Rev. Eleanora Giddings Ivory
Director
Washington Office
Presbyterian Church USA

cc:

The Honorable Alfonso Ortega, Ambassador Embassy of Nicaragua

Ingeniero Jose Bosco Marenco Cardenal, Ministro de Gobernacion (Internal Affairs)

Licenciada Mariangeles Arguello, Ministra de Salud (Health)

Dr. Benjamin Perez Fonseca, Procurador de Derechos Humanos (Human Rights)

Dr. Enrique Chavarria, Presidente de la Sala Penal del Tribunal de Apelaciones de Managua (Appellate Court)

U.S. Ambassador Oliver Garza, U.S. Embassy in Managua

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
end of update of 1/14/01
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

UPDATE AND ACTION ALERT
IN SUPPORT OF DOROTHY GRANADA
AND THE WOMEN'S CLINIC OF MULUKUKU
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


January 10, 2001

DEAR FRIENDS of Dorothy Granada and the Women's Clinic in Mulukuku,

Dorothy's battle for healthcare and human rights in Nicaragua continues unabated. As you will see from the update below, Dorothy and the clinic remain in the center of a public relations battle that has only escalated in the New Year. The challenge for us now is to match the stamina and resolve of this remarkable woman by giving her all the support we possibly can in the critical days and weeks ahead.

This message is divided into four sections: 1) Update; 2) Analysis; 3) Suggested Actions; and 4) Contact Numbers.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
1) UPDATE:

· DOROTHY GRANADA REMAINS IN HIDING. Even though her case is being heard by an Appeals Court (see next item) and she should be able to safely move about the country, the government of Arnoldo Aleman continues to demonstrate its resolve to deport Dorothy and its willingness to break the laws of Nicaragua in order to do so.

· LEGAL SITUATION: The Appeals Court which is hearing Dorothy's case resumed its work on Monday, January 8 after a holiday break, but there have been no reports of movement on this case, though it could come at any time.

************


The facts of the legal case are these: On December 14 a lower court judge ruled that the government had acted illegally in attempting to deport Dorothy without giving her a hearing. She had been denied due process when the government ordered her deported based on its own secret evidence. The government appealed this decision. The Minister of Internal Relations (Gobernacion), Jose Marenco, personally appeared before the Appeals Court to argue that the government has the right to act on secret evidence. This is an important legal issue in Nicaragua as there is a history of secret evidence being used against both citizens and non-citizens.

************


Dorothy's lawyer believes the law is clearly on her side. Other observers say the law is vague and open to interpretation, and the court open to political pressure. If the Appeals Court rules in favor of Dorothy, it will mean only this: that she has the right to a hearing. There are two more levels of appeal open to whichever side loses this appeal.

· THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION of Nicaragua's National Assembly has not yet issued the report of its investigation into the closing of the clinic in Mulukuku and the government's charges against Dorothy Granada. However, Dr. Benjamin Perez, Ombudsman of the Human Rights Commission, gave interviews last week and this week in which he stated that no proof has been found to support the charges against Dorothy and the clinic.

· THE NICARAGUAN MEDIA continues to highlight the plight of "Dorotea" and the people of Mulukuku. Both daily newspapers typically carry 1 or 2 related stories every day, almost always sympathetic to Dorothy, even when they are reporting the government's statements against Dorothy. For those who speak Spanish, and have internet access, you can check out their websites:

El Nuevo Diario; La Prensa

Articles will usually be found under "Nacional." They will also be posted on this website the day after they appear, along with a brief summary in English.

***********


DOROTHY APPEARED ON NICARAGUAN TELEVISION earlier this week, reading a short statement in her defense. Friends who saw it said it was a very good statement and that Dorothy looked rested, calm and relaxed.

***********


DOROTHY WAS INTERVIEWED BY REUTERS earlier this week, according to La Prensa. But we were unable to find anything on the Reuters website. In the interview, also carried on Nicaraguan radio, she put into context the government's charge that she had treated members of an armed guerrilla organization, the leftist FUAC. She said that she treated several FUAC members in 1997 at the request of the International Red Cross, and that the FUAC members were accompanied by soldiers of the Nicaraguan Army. She said that she had performed no abortions and that "in my fifty years as a nurse, I have never broken the law."

· A MEDICAL DELEGATION from Manchester College in Indiana arrived in Nicaragua last week and received much favorable media coverage as they called for the reopening of the Clinic in Mulukuku. Originally destined for Mulukuku, the 30 medical professionals traveled a few hours beyond Mulukuku to El Hormiguero, a small village near Siuna, where they continue to treat patients, including some who were transported from Mulukuku.

· GOVERNMENT MEDIA OFFENSIVE. Apparently upset with all of Dorothy's good press, the Nicaraguan government took out a full page ad in both La Prensa and El Nuevo Diario on Dec. 26 or 27, paying $1,300 Nicaraguan tax dollars for each ad. The ad, entitled "The Truth About Dorothy Granada," was placed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which has taken the lead in attacking Dorothy. It repeated charges that she and the clinic favored Sandinista supporters, told people to vote Sandinista, had treated armed Sandinista guerrillas, and performed abortions. The ad included a sworn statement by a Mulukuku resident who named a woman he said had an abortion at the clinic last year. This turned out to be an embarrassing lie (see next point).

· GOVERNMENT CAUGHT IN LIE. On January 2, at a press conference sponsored by the independent Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights, the government's specific abortion charge was exposed as a lie. Featured at the press conference was the very woman who had been named in the ad and charged with having an abortion last year. On her lap sat her healthy one-year-old child. Vilma Nunez, president of the human rights group, charged the government with violating the human rights of the woman whom they had publicly slandered. The mother and her child were on the front pages the next day.

· MARENCO ESCALATES MEDIA WAR. On January 3, Jose Marenco, Minister of Internal Affairs anchored a press conference with 70 (!) Mulukuku residents who were bussed into Managua from Mulukuku. A picture in the paper the next day showed him holding a microphone in front of the face of a poor Mulukuku man, who dutifully repeated the government's charges against Dorothy and the clinic. Key leaders of the women's cooperative in Mulukuku were accused of being members of the armed guerrilla group, FUAC.

***********


Most of those who testified against Dorothy were members of a conservative evangelical church which vehemently opposes the family planning information provided by the clinic. There have also been reports that they received a number of inducements for their testimony. Later press reports said those who testified were afraid to return to Mulukuku. "Sure they're afraid," said one co-op leader, "because they lied." The government announced it was sending 15 police from Matagalpa to Mulukuku to protect their witnesses from recriminations and also to minimize reactions that might result from an Appeals Court decision in their favor.

· ECUMENICAL LETTER. A coordinated effort by U.S. and Nicaraguan churches and faith-based organizations will result in a paid ad in the two main Nicaraguan dailies, probably this coming Sunday. The letter will address the broader issue of Nicaragua's treatment of NGOs and foreign assistance. It will call upon the Nicaraguan government to create a climate which is open to international aid and to end the persecution of humanitarian workers. It specifically will call for the Women's Cooperative and Clinic in Mulukuku to be reopened and for an end to the attempts to deport Dorothy Granada.

<><><><><><><><><><><>><><><><><><><><><><><><>

2) ANALYSIS:

Jill Winegardner, with assistance from Ana Quiros, director of the Coordinadora Civil in Nicaragua, has written an excellent analysis that addresses the oft-heard questions, "Why is all this going on? What is behind the attacks on Dorothy Granada? Why has the government shut down the only clinic in a poor rural area? Why is this crisis so important to women's groups, human rights groups and civil society in Nicaragua?" This very helpful analysis will be sent out to you as a separate email and posted here on our website.

<><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

3) SUGGESTED ACTIONS:

· LET'S REV UP THE FAX BRIGADE AGAIN! In the first days of this crisis, hundreds of faxes to U.S. Ambassador in Managua and to the U.S. State Dept. really got their attention. Let's do it again. Let them know we are still watching and we expect their continued assistance in ensuring Dorothy Granada's personal safety and due process rights in Nicaragua.

· CALLS TO OUR CONGRESSPEOPLE should be even more effective with the "Dear Colleague" letter circulating in Congress. The more Congressional inquiries received by the U.S. State Dept. and the U.S. Embassy in Managua the better.

· FAX THE NICARAGUAN GOVERNMENT. Particular targets at this time might be the Ministry of Health, which has the responsibility to reopen the Women's Clinic in Mulukuku, the Appellate Court, which is expected to announce its decision soon, and the Human Rights Commission, which needs letters of support for its independent work on this and other human rights issues. Friends in Nicaragua have advised us to fax copies of all letters to Jose Marenco, Minister of Internal Affairs, who is the government's point person for this attack. Your letters can be in Spanish or English.

· LETTERS TO THE EDITORS of the Nicaraguan papers. Both La Prensa and El Nuevo Diario have published sympathetic letters. They will probably be happy to print some letters from the U.S., especially letters from supportive church groups, medical aid groups and human rights groups.

These letters should be in Spanish. You can also send copies of your letters to Nicaraguan government officials to the newspapers, especially if those letters are in Spanish. If you need translation, please send them to us and we will try to arrange for their translation.

ARE YOU A TRANSLATOR? Are you good at translating from English to Spanish? If so, we need your help. Our best translators are currently busy with other important work. If you are a translator or know someone who is, please contact us at jwinegardner@igc.org

jwinegardner@igc.org · EMERGENCY FUNDS continue to be very important to the success of this momentous struggle for human rights and health care in Nicaragua. Those wishing to contribute funds to help with Dorothy's legal and other emergency expenses can make checks out to St. Boniface Episcopal Church, mark them "Emergency Fund," and send them to the Women's Empowerment Network, 309 Cedar, PMB 547, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Contributions are tax-deductible.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

4) CONTACT NUMBERS

The Honorable Alfonso Ortega, Ambassador
Embassy of Nicaragua
1627 New Hampshire Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Telephone: (202) 939-6570
Fax: (202) 939-6542

Peter Romero
Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs
United States Department of State
Fax: (202) 647-0791

Greg Thome
Chief, Nicaragua Desk
United States Department of State
Tel: (202) 647-4975

U.S. Ambassador Oliver Garza at the U.S. Embassy in Managua
Tel: 011-505-266-6010
Fax: 011-505-266-3865
E-mail

President Arnoldo Aleman
Fax: 011-505-228-7911

Ingeniero Jose Bosco Marenco Cardenal, Ministro de Gobernacion (Interior)
Fax: 011-505-222-7778

Licenciada Mariangeles Arguello, Ministra de Salud (Health)
Fax: 011-505-289-7671

Dr. Benjamin Perez Fonseca, Procurador de Derechos Humanos (Human Rights)
Fax: 011-505-266-4141

Dr. Enrique Chavarria, Presidente de la Sala Penal # del Tribunal de Apelaciones de Managua (Appellate Court)
Fax: 011-505-267-4498

La Prensa
info@laprensa.com.ni
Fax: 011-505-249-6928

El Nuevo Diario info@elnuevodiario.com.ni
fchamorro@elnuevodiario.com.ni

Fax: 011-505-249-0700
Tel: 011-505-249-6501

Please let us know of your progress and/or send us copies of your letters by email or fax.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

DOROTHY GRANADA AND THE PEOPLE of Mulukuku continue to express their deep appreciation for all that you are doing. Whether we win or lose this battle in the short term, profound ties of love, support and solidarity are being strengthened by this campaign. Your generous and relentless efforts are a source of great comfort (even amazement) to concerned Nicaraguans. These days will be fondly remembered by many U.S. and Nicaraguan friends in a brighter future.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIGNITY FOR ALL,

Jill Winegardner and Gerry Condon

Santa Cruz Support Committee for Dorothy Granada and the Women's Clinic in Mulukuku (Women's Empowerment Network)

Tel/fax: 831-768-7004
Jill Winegardner

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
end of update of 1/10/01
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>


We've run out of space! Please continue by clicking on: Next page.

Return to the Main Page by clicking on Dot's pic below:

To go to EPI/CALC's Directory, click on: