Nicaragua: Deadly violence as anti-government protests continue /update 1

Event

Violence broke out during protests held in the capital Managua and other cities - notably on university campuses - for a second consecutive day on Thursday, April 19. At least four people were killed on Thursday, including two students and a police officer. Dozens others have been injured. Further protests are set to take place on Friday and will likely continue into the coming days. Other cities affected by the protests include León, Granada, Estelí, Matagalpa, Masaya, and Tipitapa.

Anti-government protesters and journalists have reportedly come under attack by members of the pro-government Frente Sandinista/Juventud Sandinista groups, amid a general crackdown by the government of President Daniel Ortega. A number of stores and businesses in the capital have closed amid the violence. The Red Cross announced on Thursday that it would be deployed to protest sites and that all regular operations have been suspended until further notice. The Ministry of Education has suspended classes at public universities until further notice.

Context

The protests initially broke out on April 18 to denounce recently approved reforms to the social security system. Vice President Rosario Murillo, wife of Ortega, has called on government supporters to take to the streets in a show of force; she has also publically disparaged the anti-government protesters. The government forced three television stations off the air during Thursday’s protests, including the country’s only two independent stations (it should be noted that ten channels are owned by the Ortega family and their allies).

Advice

Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to keep abreast of the situation and strictly avoid all protests and university campuses due to the risk of violence and arrest.