Expelled Nicaraguan activist denounces persecution of feminists

The Nicaraguan-Costa Rican activist Ana Quirós, who has been expelled from Nicaragua, denounced on Tuesday that there is persecution against the feminist movement because of her opposition to the government of President Daniel Ortega.

“We cause discomfort for Daniel Ortega, but especially for [First Lady and Vice President] Rosario Murillo,” said Quirós at a press conference in San José.

Quirós was expelled Monday night from Nicaragua, where she has lived for 40 years, after several hours of detention. Her Nicaraguan nationality, which she obtained 21 years ago, was also withdrawn, according to her narrative.

“There is no movement bigger, stronger and more supportive than the feminist movement,” said Quirós, who is also a champion of sexual diversity and a public-health specialist.

“That hurt Rosario Murillo; it hurts her to unmask her efforts to show that everything is normal, that there is gender equality,” she said. “It hurts her that we continue denouncing the misogyny, which is part of the patriarchal government.”

Quirós said that the increase in repression against feminists and other opposition movements reflect the fear the Nicaraguan government has.

“The increase in repression is nothing more than an increase in fear; they are afraid of us because we are not afraid,” said Quirós.

The feminist leader was wounded during anti-government protests in Nicaragua on April 18, and since then she has suffered threats and intimidation that forced her to send her two children to Costa Rica.

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