Nicaragua Releases Some Student Protesters to Lower Tensions

Nicaraguan authorities released some student protesters arrested during anti-government demonstrations over the past week as President Daniel Ortega sought to lower tensions Tuesday.

With freshly shaved heads and some bearing bruises they said were inflicted by police during their captivity, students were dropped along a highway on the outskirts of the capital.

The police said in a statement that students were handed over to their families and religious committees.

Five of Nicaragua's private broadcasters have also returned to the air after having their signals interrupted during the height of the protests. The last was 100% Noticias, which regained its signal Monday.

Miguel Mora, director of the outlet, said, "This is the triumph of the people and the banishment of censorship."

The White House released a statement condemning "the violence and repression propagated by the government of Nicaragua and any closing of media." It called for dialogue and democratic reforms.

On Sunday, Ortega backed off a social security overhaul that would have increased contributions and reduced pensions. The changes had triggered protests that soon spread beyond the social security system. Human rights groups say at least 30 people were killed in the violence and some 150 protesters were arrested.

Pablo Cuevas of the Permanent Commission on Human Rights accused police of violating students' due process and being guilty of beatings and theft.

"Everything related to the detention, beatings, robberies and abuses by the police we're going to document and take to the international human rights organizations," Cuevas said.