GENEVA/PANAMA - The UN Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua decried the murder of Nicaraguan exile Roberto Samcam on 19 June 2025 in his home in San José, Costa Rica. They also expressed profound concern for the security of exiled Nicaraguans around the world.
"We condemn the murder of Roberto Samcam in the strongest terms, and welcome the swift action of Costa Rica, which, we trust, will expose the motivations behind this terrible act and bring justice to his family," said Jan-Michael Simon, Chair of the Group of Experts.
In a report published in February this year, the Group of Experts had warned that the repressive actions of the Nicaraguan Government transcended the country's borders, affecting real or perceived opponents residing abroad.
"We have documented that the violations of the human rights of Nicaraguans by the Government do not stop at the border," said Ariela Peralta, member of the Group of Experts. "Government tactics to control and silence dissenters abroad include threats, financial pressure, entry bans, the denial of consular services and passports, the arbitrary deprivation of nationality, harassment, surveillance and coercion via family members. The possibility that the murder of Roberto Samcam is part of this pattern should not be discarded."
According to reports, the killer entered Samcam's residence under the pretense of delivering a package, shot him eight times, and fled. The Experts noted that there is significant information indicating political motives. Other victims of similar crimes in recent years include Joao Maldonado who survived two attacks in 2021 and 2024 in Costa Rica, and Rodolfo Rojas Cordero who was found dead in 2022 in Honduras. These crimes would represent an escalation in the reach and severity of the transnational repression against Nicaraguan opponents.
"Nowhere in the world seems to be safe for Nicaraguans opposed to the Government of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo," added Reed Brody, member of the Group of Experts. "Host countries should step up the protection of Nicaraguans living in their territory."
"In line with our mandate, we stand ready to support and advise States and other stakeholders to ensure the protection of all Nicaraguans living abroad. States must be held accountable for committing transborder human rights violations," concluded Simon.
Roberto Samcam, a retired army major, had been living in Costa Rica since 2018 after having publicly denounced State repression. In 2023, the Nicaraguan authorities arbitrarily deprived him of his nationality, as has been done with over 450 other presumed dissidents. He was subsequently offered and acquired Spanish nationality.
