The Government of Costa Rica deplores the announcement of preventive imprisonment ordered today by a Nicaraguan court against Nicaraguan-Costa Rican journalist Lucía Pineda Ubau, of media channel “100% Noticias” of Nicaragua.

Pineda was accused by the Nicaraguan government of terrorist acts and inciting hatred, among other charges, and she was put in preventive custody. Her first hearing was set for January 25, 2019.

“We condemn this sort of ‘short trial’ ordered today by a Nicaraguan court against journalist Lucía Pineda, which turns into an insult and another example of hostility towards independent press. In response to these abuses, we have no choice but to firmly reiterate our solidarity with the journalists and defenders of human rights”, declared Lorena Aguilar, Minister a.i. of Foreign Affairs in Costa Rica.

“We extend our solidarity to the family of Mrs. Pineda, which whom we have maintained constant communication”, expressed the Minister.

Costa Rica will continue working with Nicaraguan authorities to ensure the physical integrity of the journalist and to make sure due process is followed.

Meanwhile, Nicaraguans in Costa Rica gathered in front of the Nicaraguan embassy in San José to protest for these actions. They demand an immediate response from international organizations to the human right violations that, according to them, are taking place in their country.

Nicaraguan police searched the offices of channel 100% Noticias in the early hours of Saturday and arrested the director Miguel Gaitán, Lucía Pineda, chief of press and a driver. They also closed down the communication channel alleging it is an illegal entity.