US cancels tourist visas for board members of top Costa Rica newspaper
Summary
The US has canceled tourist visas for most board members of Costa Rica’s main newspaper, La Nación, which has criticized Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves. This move is seen as linked to the close relationship between President Chaves and US President Donald Trump and raises concerns about press freedom in Costa Rica.Key Facts
- More than half of La Nación’s seven board members had their US tourist visas canceled by the US State Department.
- La Nación reported on sexual harassment and illegal campaign financing allegations against President Rodrigo Chaves during his 2022 campaign.
- President Chaves has strongly criticized La Nación and taken actions that affect the newspaper financially.
- Chaves is a close ally of US President Donald Trump and agreed to accept up to 25 deported migrants weekly from the US.
- Analysts warn the visa cancellations may harm political discussion and freedom of the press in Costa Rica.
- The US has previously revoked visas of other Costa Rican political opponents and critics of Chaves.
- These visa restrictions followed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Costa Rica and praise for Chaves’s anti-China telecom policies.
- President Chaves is set to step down soon and be replaced by Laura Fernández, who is expected to continue similar policies.
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