Nicaragua ‘marathon’ protester flees for exile in Costa Rica
Posted March 13, 2019 9:25 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
MANAGUA, Nicaragua — A Nicaraguan man who became famous for running in protest of President Daniel Ortega’s government has left the country for exile.
Alex Vanegas’ son Byron confirms to The Associated Press that his father has gone to neighbouring Costa Rica.
He said Wednesday that the elder Vanegas “decided to leave the country because he could no longer stand the (police) siege and harassment.”
Alex Vanegas recently told the AP that police patrols were watching his home constantly after he was conditionally released in late February to house arrest.
Byron Vanegas said his father “will continue protesting and running for Nicaragua.”
Tens of thousands of Nicaraguans have fled to Costa Rica and other countries after anti-Ortega protests broke out last April and hundreds died in a crackdown by security forces.
The Associated Press
