Nicaragua: Riot police disperse protesters in Estelí May 15 /update 12

Event

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 15 (local time), riot police forcibly dispersed protesters in the city of Estelí (Estelí department) who were blocking the road at the southern exit of the city (near San Juan de Dios hospital), beating and taking some protesters into custody. Several people were also reportedly wounded in the clashes; the number of people detained by police was not immediately announced. Additional demonstrations, clashes between protesters and security forces, and localized traffic disruptions are possible in Estelí and elsewhere in Nicaragua in the coming days.

Context

On May 14, anti-government protests were reported throughout Nicaragua. Notably, several people were wounded in clashes between protesters and security forces in Sebaco (Matagalpa department). On May 12, at least two protesters were killed and a dozen more wounded during clashes with riot police in Managua.

On May 13, the US Embassy in Managua advised all government employees and US citizens to avoid all unnecessary travel and remain at home.

In general, many anti-government protests have taken place since the end of April. The demonstrations, which began on April 18, have led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country, as well as a crackdown by the security forces. Some human rights groups claim that at least 63 people have been killed in the protests, with hundreds more suffering injuries.

Advice

Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to keep abreast of the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to any advice issued by their home governments.