Rafael Solís (jurist)

Rafael Solís Cerda (born 1949) is a Nicaraguan jurist and former Justice of the Supreme Court of Justice of Nicaragua (CSJ). He served on the CSJ for several decades, becoming known for his close ties to the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and President Daniel Ortega.

Solís was considered a key figure in the Nicaraguan legal system and a strong supporter of Ortega's government. He often played a significant role in judicial decisions with political implications.

In January 2019, Solís unexpectedly resigned from his position as a Justice of the Supreme Court and fled Nicaragua, seeking asylum in Costa Rica. In a public letter, he cited ethical concerns and denounced the direction of the Nicaraguan government under Ortega, claiming it had become increasingly authoritarian and repressive. He also criticized the erosion of the rule of law and the manipulation of the judicial system. His resignation and subsequent criticism marked a significant break with the Ortega regime and garnered considerable international attention. Since leaving Nicaragua, Solís has been a vocal critic of the government, speaking out against human rights abuses and calling for democratic reforms.