Nicaragua: Information on Lenin Cerna, the chief of security in Sandinista-governed Nicaragua, an individual who allegedly gave orders to torture and to murder in the 1980s
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1997 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | NIC25765.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Nicaragua: Information on Lenin Cerna, the chief of security in Sandinista-governed Nicaragua, an individual who allegedly gave orders to torture and to murder in the 1980s, 1 January 1997, NIC25765.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ad2710.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Numerous sources consulted by the DIRB, all of which are attached, provide information on the activities of Lenin Cerna. Please note that according to a 7 March 1988 BBC report, Lenin Cerna was Director-General of State Security from 1981 to March 1988. He was appointed Deputy Interior Minister on 4 March 1988 (ibid.).
Specific information on allegations that Lenin Cerna gave orders to torture and murder could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB. However, according to an Americas Watch Report, members of the Dirrecion General de Seguridad de Estado (DGSE), or State Security, mistreated detainees and prisoners (HRW/A Aug. 1988, 50). Prisoners allegedly endured food and water deprivation and electric shocks (ibid., 50-51). An Amnesty International report on Nicaragua states that many peasants were killed by the security forces (June 1989, 1) and that several political prisoners died while in DGSE custody between 1986 and 1989 (ibid., 39). Furthermore, according to News from Americas Watch, most extrajudicial executions were carried out by Ministry of Interior DGSE forces against alleged Contra members (Apr. 1989). The same source noted that most executions occured in the remote areas of Matagalpa and Jinotega, and stated that "these executions are too numerous to be isolated cases, and their continuation strengthens our impression that government forces are engaged in a pattern of violent abuses in this region" (ibid.).
In Nicaragua: Revolution in the Family, Lenin Cerna is described by the author Shirley Christian as "a feared man to those Nicaraguans not enchanted by the Sandinista government" (1986, 243).
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Amnesty International. June 1989. Nicaragua: The Human Rights Record 1986-1989. (AI Index: AMR 34/07/89). London. Amnesty International.
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts (BBC). 7 March 1988. "Nicaragua Appointment of Deputy Interior Minister." (NEXIS)
Christian, Shirley. 1986. Nicaragua: Revolution in the Family. New York: Vintage Books.
Human Rights Watch/Americas (HRW/A). August 1988. Human Rights in Nicaragua: August1987-August 1988. New York: HRW/Americas.
News from Americas Watch [Washington, DC]. April 1989. No. 2. "Extrajudicial Executions in Nicaragua."
Attachments
The Associated Press (AP). 17 October 1987. AM Cycle. "OAS Diplomat and Family Held Hostage by Gunman." (NEXIS)
BBC Summary of World Broadcasts (BBC). 7 March 1988. "Nicaragua Appointment of Deputy Interior Minister." (NEXIS)
Facts on File World News Digest [New York]. 28 July 1989. "Private Farms Expropriated." (NEXIS)
Human Rights Watch/Americas (HRW/A). August 1988. Human Rights in Nicaragua: August 1987-August 1988. New York: HRW/Americas, pp. 49-56.
Latin America Weekly Report [London]. 7 May 1987. "Authorities List: Nicaragua." (NEXIS)
Los Angeles Times. 23 October 1985. Home Edition. William R. Long. "Questioned About 'Plot,' Sandinista Foe Says." (NEXIS)
The New York Times. 26 October 1984. Late City Final Edition. Stephen Kinzer. "Nicaraguans Say a Chemical Fire in Capital Was $7 Million Setback." (NEXIS)
_____. 7 January 1985. Late City Final Edition. Stephen Kinzer. "Sandinistas Mark Raid That Presaged Victory." (NEXIS)
_____. 12 March 1989. Late City Final Edition. Mark A. Uhlig. "Nicaragua Announces a Date for Releasing 1894 Prisoners." (NEXIS)
The Perth Corporation. March 1986. "Nicaragua." (NEXIS)
Radio Sandino [Managua, in English]. 26 December 1988. "Nicaragua Ortega Signs New Law on Interior Ministry Military Ranks." (BBC Summary 28 Dec. 1988/NEXIS)
Reuters. 15 March 1986. AM Cycle. "The FSLN Have Come Under... ." (NEXIS)
_____. 11 October 1986. AM Cycle. Matthew Campbell. "Embassy Says Sandinistas Cremated Bodies of Two U.S. Flyers." (NEXIS)
_____. 28 March 1988. AM Cycle. Roger Atwood. "Sandinistas, Contras Begin New Round of Peace Talks." (NEXIS)
The Sunday Telegraph [London]. 21 May 1989. "Prompted by Recent Events... " (NEXIS)
United Press International (UPI). 21 March 1988. BC Cycle. "The Delegations of Nicaraguan Government... ." (NEXIS)
The Washington Post. 23 June 1989. Final Edition. Mary Speck. "Managua Seizes 3 Coffee Farms; Ortega Declares Owners Opposed Economic Plans." (NEXIS)
The Washington Times. 25 August 1989. Peter LaBarbera. "Sandinistas Shutting Them Out, Rebels Say of Election Campaign." (NEXIS)
Additional Sources Consulted
Amnesty International Report. 1983-1989.
The Europa World Yearbook 1989.
Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Daily Reports.
Human Rights Watch/Americas (HRW/A). July 1985. Human Rights in Nicaragua: Reagan, Rhetoric and Reality.
International Who's Who 1992-93.
One source consulted did not provide information on the requested subject.
World Encyclopedia of Police Forces and Penal Systems. 1989.
