No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNicaraguaU.S. government restricts visas for Nicaragua officials over unrest

U.S. government restricts visas for Nicaragua officials over unrest

WASHINGTON, DC –The United States on Thursday imposed visa restrictions on Nicaraguan police and other officials linked to violence in the country that has left more than 134 people dead.

“The political violence by police and pro-government thugs against the people of Nicaragua, particularly university students, shows a blatant disregard for human rights and is unacceptable,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

She said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo “decided to impose U.S. visa restrictions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses or undermining democracy in Nicaragua.”

Nauert did not name the individuals but said they include national police and health officials, along with others at the local level – “those directing or overseeing violence against others exercising their rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”

She said the targeted officials had “operated with impunity across the country.”

Some family members of the officials will also be subject to visa restrictions, Nauert said.

“The United States continues to call for an end to violence and supports peaceful negotiations to end this crisis,” she added.

Protests began in April against the government of President Daniel Ortega, whom they see as autocratic.

Fresh talks are due on Thursday between Ortega and Nicaragua’s Catholic bishops with an aim to ending the political crisis in the central American country.

Granada, Nicaragua: One dead, 20 injured in police-protester standoff

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s Pride March 2025 Defies Restrictions and Celebrates Diversity

A large crowd gathered in Paseo Colón, San José, to participate in the LGBTIQ+ Pride March 2025. It began at noon, as people marched...

Costa Rica to Launch Electric Air Taxis for Sustainable Travel in Guanacaste

Costa Rica is poised to revolutionize its transportation landscape with the introduction of electric air taxis, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional ground travel...

An Expat’s Take: 5 Burning Questions About Life in Costa Rica Right Now

Have you been keeping up with the various events taking place in Costa Rica? There is always something interesting going down, and here are...

Costa Rica Joins U.S. Global Entry, Easing Travel for Tourists

Costa Rica took a big step forward, by officially joining the U.S. Global Entry program, a move set to make travel smoother for Costa...

Costa Rica Green Hotels Lead Global Sustainable Tourism

Costa Rica’s reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism grows stronger every year, with our green hotels setting a high bar for eco-conscious hospitality...

Costa Rica Hunts for Nicaraguan Hit Squad After Exile’s Assassination

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) is investigating whether a hit squad tied to Nicaragua’s Ortega-Murillo regime is targeting exiled critics on its soil....
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica