The assassination of Roberto Samcam Ruiz, a former Nicaraguan Army major, has heightened fears among exiled critics of the Ortega government, as concerns mount that the regime is extending its violent reach beyond its borders. Samcam, who had fled to Costa Rica due to threats against his life, was gunned down in his home on June 19 by assailants who had reportedly been surveilling him.
Having openly criticized the Sandinista government, Samcam had taken several security precautions to protect himself, including changing his clothing to avoid detection and opting for private transportation. His wife, Claudia Vargas, noted that his fears had reached a level of paranoia, but unfortunately, his vigilance could not save him.
Since the protests that erupted in Nicaragua in 2018, which prompted a mass exodus of Nicaraguans seeking safety, this has not been an isolated incident. Samcam's death marks at least the sixth time a Nicaraguan dissident has faced violence in Costa Rica, raising serious questions about the safety of political exiles and the lengths to which the Nicaraguan government will go to suppress dissent.
Human rights advocates express deep concern that such actions may signal a systematic campaign against critics of the Ortega administration who seek refuge abroad. As awareness grows regarding this alarming trend, there are calls for immediate action and protection for vulnerable Nicaraguan refugees living within neighboring countries.
