Brooklyn Rivera, a prominent indigenous leader from Nicaragua known for his advocacy on behalf of his community, has died in government custody. Rivera had been imprisoned since September 2023, when he was detained amid ongoing tensions between indigenous groups and the Nicaraguan government.

The government reported on Sunday that Rivera’s death resulted from a bacterial infection following a decline in his health after contracting COVID-19. Authorities attributed his physical and neurological deterioration to complications from the virus.

International human rights organizations and activists condemned the circumstances surrounding Rivera’s death. They criticized the government’s handling of the situation, particularly its initial refusal to disclose information about Rivera’s condition or whereabouts to his family, legal representatives, or the public.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Nicaraguan government referred to Rivera as “Brother” and said it was praying for him, prompting strong reactions from critics. Reed Brody, an American human rights lawyer and member of a UN expert group on Nicaragua, called the government’s actions “unconscionable cynicism,” highlighting what he described as an attempt to give the appearance of concern while withholding critical information.

Rivera had long been a vocal advocate for indigenous rights in Nicaragua, working to represent the interests of his community amid political and social challenges. His imprisonment and subsequent death have drawn renewed attention to the treatment of indigenous activists in the country and the broader issues of human rights under the current administration.