Several Costa Rican and international outlets report that the United States has revoked tourist visas for multiple executives on the board of La Nación, one of Costa Rica’s leading newspapers. The revocations are described as affecting a majority of La Nación’s board members, with reporting differing on the exact count, ranging from several executives to reports that five of seven board members lose visas. Multiple sources say the individuals were not given a clear explanation for the decision by U.S. officials.
Outlets and press-freedom organizations link the action to La Nación’s critical coverage of Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves, who is described in several reports as allied with the United States. The New York Times and others cite analysts who characterize the visa decision as part of a broader strategy to deter or punish criticism of U.S. allies.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and other groups frame the move as a press-freedom and retaliation concern, calling for immigration officials to provide a specific rationale. The reported revocations occur amid a politically sensitive period in Costa Rica, including the run-up to a presidential transition, according to some accounts.
