Nicaraguan Exile’s Assassination Sparks Fears of Government Repression in Costa Rica

The assassination of Roberto Samcam Ruiz, a retired Nicaraguan Army major and government critic, highlights escalating concerns among Nicaraguan exiles in Costa Rica, amid fears that the Ortega government is extending its reach to eliminate dissenting voices.

In a recent incident, Roberto Samcam Ruiz, a vocal opponent of the Nicaraguan government, was murdered in his San José home where he sought refuge after receiving threats. This incident marks a troubling trend, as he is the sixth Nicaraguan dissident to face violence in Costa Rica since the mass exodus following the protests in 2018. Friends and family express their alarm over the implications of such targeting, with many questioning the security measures in place for exiles. Samcam, who had taken significant precautions to protect himself, including altering his appearance and avoiding public transportation, fell victim to two assailants who had been surveilling him.

This killing has raised significant concerns within the Nicaraguan community, as many worry that the Ortega government may have influence or operatives in Costa Rica, endangering lives of those who oppose it. Survivors amongst the exile community urge Costa Rican authorities to increase protective measures for those in similar situations, emphasizing the urgent need for a safer environment for activists fleeing oppression in their homeland.