Whereas Daniel Ortega has taken systematic steps to weaken democratic institutions in Nicaragua since 2006, including by manipulating the Nicaraguan Constitution through actions such as eliminating presidential term limits; Whereas Daniel Ortega selected his wife, Rosario Murillo, as his vice-presidential candidate in 2016; Whereas domestic and international observers have repeatedly documented and criticized irregularities in the 2011 and 2016 presidential elections as well as the 2012 and 2017 municipal elections in Nicaragua; Whereas, on April 18, 2018, students in Nicaragua began to protest the unilateral decision of the Government of Nicaragua to impose reforms on the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute; Whereas the protests were met with a violent and brutal response from the Nicaraguan National Police, subsequently resulting in a widespread call by the Nicaraguan people for freedom, democracy, electoral reforms, and respect for human rights; Whereas since April 18, 2018, the Nicaraguan government, the Nicaraguan National Police, or militias controlled by the Nicaraguan government have been responsible for escalating violence, committing murders, and many cases of torture and disappearances; Whereas to block the dissemination of reports of violence and repression committed against peaceful protesters, the Nicaraguan government shut down the signal of media stations throughout Nicaragua; Whereas according to press reports, the Nicaraguan government has denied basic medical care to and attempted to poison the food and water of those protesting oppression under the Ortega administration; Whereas, on the night of April 20, 2018, a pro-government mob set fire to the offices of independent radio station Radio Darío in the city of León