04 Oct 2018 | 10:55 PM UTC
Costa Rica: Anti-Ortega protest planned in San José October 5
Protest denouncing Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega planned in San José October 5; heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions expected near demonstration site
Event
A demonstration denouncing Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his government is slated to be held at 10:00 (local time) in front of the Nicaraguan Embassy in San José on Friday, October 5. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near the protest site.
Context
A related protest over the recent influx of Nicaraguan refugees into the country was held on August 18 and turned violent when clashes broke out between protesters, police, and Nicaraguan refugees. Police arrested 44 people for their roles in the violence and seized eight Molotov cocktails and approximately 20 guns.
Costa Rica has witnessed an influx of Nicaraguan refugees since a political crisis broke out in Nicaragua in April. Tens of thousands of Nicaraguans have applied for asylum in Costa Rica since June.
Advice
Individuals in San José are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
