Nicaraguans use Good Friday processions to protest

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Good Friday religious processions in Nicaragua's capital have taken a decidedly political tone as people have seized on a rare opportunity to renew protests against the government of President Daniel Ortega.

Dozens of protesters shouted for "justice" and carried wooden crosses bearing the names of those who died during the past year of protests.

They were mixed into a larger Stations of the Cross procession to Managua's cathedral.

On Wednesday, an overwhelming police presence scuttled a scheduled opposition march to mark the anniversary of the protests. Public demonstrations have been effectively banned since last year.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights says at least 325 people have died in the protests and government crackdown. Protests began in response to social security cuts and expanded to calls for Ortega's ouster.