In Exile, But Not Silenced: Lucía Pineda Ubau Continues Fighting for the Truth

"We thank Almighty God for the blessing of standing before you today; safe, sound, and free," declared Lucía Pineda Ubau to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) during her acceptance speech at the 2019 International Press Freedom Awards. This Nicaraguan journalist, a symbol of courage and resilience, embodies the unwavering spirit of independent journalism, particularly one forged in the fire of being a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men.

For over two decades, Pineda Ubau, with a microphone in hand, served as a voice for the marginalized, amplifying the stories of the oppressed and exposing corruption at the highest levels. Fearlessly, she investigated into sensitive cases like the sexual abuse allegations against Daniel Ortega from his stepdaughter and the financial scandals under the Arnoldo Alemán regime, her investigations shining a light on truths often hidden in the shadows.

Lucía Pineda Ubau speaks at the 2019 International Press Freedom Awards (CPJ)

However, her pursuit of truth came at a brutal cost. In 2018, the tightening grip of the Nicaraguan government led to her imprisonment on fabricated charges of "inciting violence and hate." "Thrown into a squalid prison cell, subjected to psychological pressure, and stripped of my Nicaraguan citizenship," she recounted to Reuters in 2019, "I endured six agonizing months before international pressure secured my release."

Many would have broken under such unimaginable pressure. Yet Pineda Ubau, fueled by an unshakeable commitment to her country and her profession, refused to be silenced. "Never before had we understood the true value of press freedom as we do in these trying times," she declared at the 2019 International Press Freedom Awards, her words echoing the struggles of journalists worldwide. "Press freedom is a freedom that holds within itself all other freedoms," she emphasized, underscoring the vital role of independent journalism in a functioning democracy.

Forced into exile in Costa Rica, Pineda Ubau's spirit remained unbroken. "Being a journalist is not a job; it's a mission," she asserted in an interview with The Tico (2020), her unwavering passion shining through. With her voice amplified by social media and international platforms, she continues her fight for truth, becoming a potent symbol of resilience against oppressive regimes.

Her work resonates deeply in the current context of Nicaragua, where press freedom struggles have reached a new low. Since 2018, over 100 independent media outlets have been shut down, countless journalists have fled the country due to threats and violence, and self-censorship has become rampant. The Ortega government's crackdown on dissent has created a climate of fear and intimidation, severely limiting the free flow of information and restricting the public's ability to hold their leaders accountable.

In this dire situation, Pineda Ubau's exile becomes a powerful statement of resistance. Despite the limitations imposed by distance, she continues to document human rights abuses, expose government corruption, and amplify the voices of silenced Nicaraguans. Her work serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other journalists facing similar challenges, reminding them that their fight for truth matters, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Furthermore, Pineda Ubau's story transcends Nicaragua's borders, offering a universal message about the importance of press freedom and the courage it takes to defend it. In a world where independent journalism is under increasing attack, her example serves as a stark reminder of the critical role journalists play in safeguarding democracy, human rights, and the pursuit of truth. Her unwavering spirit stands as a testament to the power of individual courage and the enduring fight for a free and informed society.