Journalist killed while reporting Nicaragua protests

Journalist Angel Gahona was shot dead while presenting a live broadcast on protests in Bluefields, Nicaragua.

The country is currently the theatre of anti-government protests. According to human rights groups, 25 people have died since 18 April in unrest over social security reforms planned by the government of president Daniel Ortega.

The Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) government decided to push through reforms to the national social security system in response to the financial crisis affecting the National Social Security Institute (INSS). The reforms, which went into effect on Wednesday, apply a 5% tax to old-age and disability pensions and increase the contributions paid by both employees and employers.

At least 67 people have been shot by the police with live rounds or rubber bullets, or beaten by members of the Sandinista Youth and other pro-government groups. A further 43 people were reported to have “disappeared” over the weekend. 

Sources:  CNN, Guardian, BBC