Central America
Ortega to declare April 19 as “National Peace Day” in Nicaragua
April 14 |
The government of Daniel Ortega will declare April 19 as “National Day of Peace”, on the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the protests against the president, which were violently repressed, leaving at least 300 dead and thousands of exiled, according to human rights organizations.
Ortega’s wife and also vice-president, Rosario Murillo, announced in the pro-government media that the decree will be issued by the National Assembly in the coming days during a special session and said that with it “they seek to safeguard peace in all its forms”.
“We have decreed this month of April as the month of peace, harmony, tranquility, security, stability and progress against poverty,” said the official who was sanctioned by the United States, which accuses her of having led the repression in Nicaragua in April 2018.
The opposition has scheduled a series of demonstrations next weekend precisely in remembrance of the date. In doing so, they assure that they will demand justice for the victims of state repression in the Central American country.
In Miami, the diaspora announced at least two demonstrations on Sunday, as well as in San José, Costa Rica. In Mexico, Canada and Spain there will also be vigils and concerts alluding to April 2018.
Ortega, who has been in power for more than 15 consecutive years, has branded the protests that erupted in Nicaragua as a coup attempt and has said without evidence that they were sponsored by the United States and the international community.
The president has also launched a crusade against critics and 222 Nicaraguan opponents were banished to the United States and had their citizenship revoked, including seven people who aspired to run in the 2021 presidential elections, which have been labeled as “a farce” by a large part of the international community.
Nicaragua is experiencing its worst political and social crisis in the last 30 years as a consequence of Ortega’s repression. The US has imposed sanctions on a dozen officials close to Ortega for this reason and maintains Nicaragua as “a threat to national security”.
Central America
Guatemalan police officer killed in mob riots over baby kidnapping
A police officer was killed during riots provoked by an enraged mob in a Guatemalan town following the kidnapping of a baby, the government reported on Wednesday.
The incidents began on Tuesday night and continued into the early hours of Wednesday in the town of San Vicente Pacaya, about 25 km south of the capital, according to Minister of the Interior Francisco Jiménez.
“There was an incident in San Vicente Pacaya where, unfortunately, a police officer died after being struck in the head with a stone. He passed away this morning,” Jiménez said in a press conference.
He explained that the unrest erupted following the arrest of two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of “a baby just a few months old,” including a woman with a criminal record.
Sports
Venezuela investigates 18 baseball players seeking asylum in Spain
The Venezuelan government announced on Wednesday that it is investigating the case of 18 baseball players who are “under the supervision of Spanish authorities” after seeking protection.
In a statement, Venezuelan authorities said they are working to determine whether this case involves “a possible human trafficking scheme,” though they have not provided any evidence of such a crime.
The Venezuelan government emphasized its commitment to protecting the country’s athletes while also denouncing the use of international legal frameworks by certain governments allegedly seeking to discredit the administration.
CNN reached out to Spain’s National Police for a response to Venezuela’s claims. According to Spanish authorities, the 18 young athletes—including two minors—arrived in Spain to participate in a series of matches but had already planned to apply for asylum. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that they had begun interviewing the players to process their international protection requests.
The team’s coach addressed the situation in a TikTok video, refuting local media reports that he had abandoned the athletes. He asserted that the players chose to remain in Barcelona to secure the necessary permits to sign with other teams and that their decision was unrelated to any political motivations.
Sports
Filipe Luis debuts as coach in Copa Libertadores with Flamengo
A two-time Copa Libertadores champion with Flamengo during his playing days, Filipe Luis will make his managerial debut in the tournament this Thursday when the popular Rio de Janeiro club faces Venezuela’s Deportivo Táchira.
Placed in Group C alongside Táchira, Liga de Quito, and Argentina’s Central Córdoba, Flamengo starts as one of the favorites—a major challenge for the 39-year-old former player.
His early coaching career has been off to a strong start.
After retiring in 2023, Filipe Luis took over as Flamengo’s head coach on September 30. Just 41 days later, he won his first title, the Copa do Brasil. The year 2025 has already brought two more trophies: the Supercopa do Brasil, where Flamengo defeated Botafogo—current Libertadores and Brasileirão champions—3-1, and the Campeonato Carioca.
At 8:30 PM local time (00:30 GMT Friday), Flamengo under Filipe Luis will make its international debut at Estadio Pueblo Nuevo in San Cristóbal. Although Gerson, Uruguayan Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata are unavailable, the squad still boasts attacking firepower with Bruno Henrique and Everton.
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