13 Jun 2018 | 01:50 PM UTC
Nicaragua: General strike June 14 amid sociopolitical crisis /update 24
Daily protests marred with deadly violence and roadblocks continue in Nicaragua; general strike June 14; reconsider travel to the country
Event
A 24-hour general strike is set take place throughout Nicaragua on Thursday, June 14. It comes amid major unrest and sociopolitical crisis ongoing in Nicaragua since mid-April. This period has been marked by highly disruptive protests, often marred with deadly violence, held on a daily or near-daily basis. Hundreds of roadblocks remain in place in cities and on highways across the country, which have paralyzed road travel and goods deliveries in recent weeks. Early store closures have become common amid the violence and shortages, with the streets of the capital Managua reportedly emptying around 18:00 (local time) due to fears of violence carried out by pro-government armed groups (grupos de choque) who roam the streets at night. These already considerable disruptions will likely be compounded by the strike.
Context
The strike has been called for by business owners to demand an end to the crisis, which has already cost an estimated USD 600 million due to destroyed infrastructure, looting, and business disruptions.
The unrest, which began with a small student protest in Managua on April 18 before rapidly expanding, has been ongoing now for nearly two months. Regular protests have repeatedly led to deadly clashes, looting, and other violence throughout the country, leaving at least 148 people dead. Hundreds of others have been injured, arrested, and/or reported missing. Activists have accused the government of committing serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, excessive use of force, and attacking the press. Means of communication have been censored and blocked on numerous occasions.
Advice
Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to closely monitor the situation, strictly avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and arrest, and adhere to any advice issued by their home governments. A number of countries, including the US, the UK, and France, continue to advise their nationals to postpone nonessential travel to the country until further notice.
