Former Nicaraguan political prisoner Kevin Solís has reported a harrowing experience in Spain, where he has been living as a refugee since 2024. The incident highlights the growing concerns about the reach of the Nicaraguan government’s repression beyond its borders and into Europe, raising questions about the safety of exiles even in countries offering asylum.
An Alleged Attempted Attack
According to reports, the incident occurred near Solís’s residence on Saturday, November 1st. Solís recounted to La Prensa that a man, just meters from his home, pointed a firearm at him. Disturbingly, the man also held a mobile phone displaying a photo of Solís.
“The man was about to shoot when a third person shouted,” Solís stated, suggesting the intervention of someone that may have prevented a potential tragedy. He firmly believes the individual to be an agent of President Daniel Ortega’s government, stating, “I have no doubt he’s an emissary of Daniel Ortega’s dictatorship. It’s more than obvious.”
Arrest and Investigation
Spanish authorities have confirmed the suspect’s arrest, and the case is now under judicial investigation. This incident marks a potentially alarming escalation, with human rights organizations documenting it as what could be the first case of transnational persecution by the Sandinista regime on Spanish soil.
Transnational Repression: A Growing Concern
Solís’s experience is not an isolated one. It adds to a disturbing pattern of aggressions against Nicaraguan dissidents living in exile. Over the past few years, organizations like Human Rights Watch and the Human Rights Collective Nicaragua Nunca Más have issued warnings regarding a network of transnational repression. This network appears to be targeting activists, journalists, and opposition figures across Central America, the United States, and now seemingly, Europe.
Several cases in Costa Rica highlight this concerning trend. While official statistics are difficult to obtain, reports suggest a growing number of Nicaraguan exiles are facing harassment and threats in Costa Rica. This increasing vulnerability has led some to seek refuge in other countries through programs like the Safe Mobility program to Spain.
Previous Incidents in Costa Rica and Beyond
Other incidents cited as examples of transnational repression include:
- The killing of retired Army Major Roberto Samcam in Costa Rica.
- The killing of Rodolfo Rojas Cordero in Honduras.
- The armed attack that wounded activists Nadia Robleto and Joao Maldonado in San Jose, Costa Rica.
These incidents, along with Solís’s experience, are viewed by many human rights groups as coordinated actions orchestrated by Nicaraguan cells operating abroad, allegedly under the direction of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo.
The Appeal for Safety
The situation highlights the precarious situation for many Nicaraguan exiles who fled their home country seeking safety and freedom of expression. While Costa Rica has traditionally been a welcoming destination for Nicaraguan refugees, the increasing reports of harassment raise serious concerns about the safety and security of this vulnerable population. It emphasizes the need for continued vigilance and support from international organizations and host countries to protect those who have sought refuge from political persecution.
Seeking Refuge in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has long been a haven for those fleeing political instability and violence in neighboring Nicaragua. The two countries share a border, and the cultural and linguistic similarities have made Costa Rica a natural destination for Nicaraguan refugees.
Learn More About Costa Rica
Are you interested in learning more about Costa Rica and its commitment to human rights? Explore our website for information about its culture, history, and natural beauty, and how it continues to be a beacon of hope for refugees and exiles from around the world.
