Nicaraguan exiled journalists report surveillance in Costa Rica

A new report by the NGO Fundación por la Libertad de Expresión y Democracia (FLED) reveals that at least seven Nicaraguan journalists exiled in Costa Rica have been subjected to surveillance, threats, and intimidation by agents of the Ortega-Murillo government. The findings, published on July 8, 2026, indicate that the repression has crossed borders, forcing victims to relocate or flee the country entirely. Source: Infobae/Efe, El Nacional

Documented incidents

The report, titled "El exilio deja de ser un refugio seguro," details a pattern of "transnational repression" that includes:

• Continuous surveillance and follow-ups near homes. Source: El Nacional
• Death threats on social media, doxxing, and phone calls from unknown numbers. Source: Infobae/Efe
• Intimidation in public spaces, including photographing vehicles. Source: El Nacional

In the most severe case, a journalist had to urgently leave Costa Rica after being warned of imminent danger by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). Others have changed addresses or moved within the country. Source: Infobae/Efe, El Nacional

Context and calls for action

FLED urges Costa Rica to strengthen protection mechanisms, citing the 2025 murder of Nicaraguan exile Roberto Samcam in San José as a warning. The organization demands that Nicaragua end the persecution of journalists and calls for continued international pressure. Source: El Nacional