Government of Nicaragua Attacks Miss Universe Franchise
The once-expressive Nicaragua, now plagued by autocracy, is chipping away at any hints of defiance and calling forth reprisals against not only political opposition, the Catholic Church, journalists, and universities but also its beauty queens.
Rising above the state’s oppression, Sheynnis Palacios, a 23-year-old Miss Universe titleholder, presented herself as a beacon of hope. Locals clamored into the streets in wild celebration, only for the government to sway from initial delight to fury once images surfaced of Palacios protesting the administration. Paralyzed by paranoia, the Nicaraguan government accused Karen Celebertti, the family head controlling the Miss Nicaragua franchise since 2001, of attempting to overthrow the government through the beauty pageantry. Reviving the people’s fading sense of patriotism, Palacios’ homecoming showcased an unnerved government, dedicated to stirring up tumult and suppressing signs of discontent such as gathering under the national banner. This led to the controversial banning of Celebertti and the detention of her husband and son, prisoners of the same defiant spirit.
Despite hailing from humble beginnings and epitomizing staunch Catholicism in the face of religious suppression, Palacios stands as the Ortega government’s newfound adversary – an adversary it cannot easily suppress.
Nevertheless, the Nicaraguan administration has made significant strides in stifling opposition by clamping down on over 3,000 NGOs, including well-known names such as Mother Teresa’s missionaries and the local Rotary Club. Nonetheless, Nimble and largely resilient, Nicaraguan artists and musicians continue to rally beside their beauty queen, adorning murals and songs with symbols of resistance.
Fearing not just the external menace but also the internal strife, it remains to be seen whether Ortega’s government can quell a beauty queen.
