Nicaragua’s government, known for its increasing isolation and repression, initially celebrated Sheynnis Palacios’ Miss Universe victory as a rare public relations success. However, their joy quickly turned to anger when it was revealed that Palacios had graduated from a college that played a significant role in the 2018 protests against the regime and had apparently participated in those demonstrations.
Ordinary Nicaraguans, who are largely prohibited from protesting or displaying the national flag in marches, seized the Miss Universe win as a unique opportunity to celebrate openly. Their use of the blue-and-white national flag, rather than the government’s red-and-black Sandinista banner, did not sit well with the authorities.
Palacios’ victory and her past participation in protests were cause for celebration among Nicaragua’s opposition, including Roman Catholic Rev. Silvio Báez, who congratulated her and expressed hope for a better future for the country.
In response, Vice President and First Lady Rosario Murillo, known for her rhetoric reminiscent of North Korea, criticized opposition social media sites for celebrating Palacios’ win as a victory against the government. She accused them of attempting to turn a moment of national pride into destructive coup-mongering.
Nicaragua has experienced a wave of political unrest since the violent suppression of mass anti-government protests in 2018. President Daniel Ortega’s government claimed the protests were an attempted coup with foreign support aimed at his overthrow.
The government’s response to the protests included the seizure and closure of the Jesuit University of Central America, which was a focal point for the 2018 demonstrations. They also targeted over 26 other Nicaraguan universities, outlawed or shut down more than 3,000 civic groups and non-governmental organizations, arrested and expelled opponents, revoked their citizenship, and confiscated their assets.
Sheynnis Palacios, the first Nicaraguan to win Miss Universe, has not commented on the situation. During the contest, she expressed her desire to work on promoting mental health and closing the gender salary gap.
Palacios’ past involvement in the protests, as revealed through a now-deleted Facebook account, showed her initial hesitation and fear about participating in the demonstrations. Her victory has reignited discussions about the 2018 protests, during which human rights officials reported the death of 355 individuals at the hands of government forces.