Attack on Joao Maldonado: at least seven bullets hit rival Daniel Ortega in attack in San Pedro

The Organization of Judicial Investigations (OIJ) reported today that Nicaraguan Joao Maldonado, an opponent of the regime of Daniel Ortega, was shot at least 7 times in the chest and head during an attack in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, in San José.

Confidential sources close to Maldonado say the 36-year-old remains under medical observation at Calderon Guardia Hospital, which has led to a significant increase in police presence in the area.

According to additional information from the OIJ, the attack occurred shortly before 11 a.m. near the Latin University, where Maldonado and his wife Nadia Robleto were intercepted by persons on a motorcycle. Already injured, he continued to drive a 1993 Hyundai Excel with license plate number 392828 until the intersection of Calle de la Amargura, where he managed to park and was treated by a Red Cross advance support team and another team from a private company.

As for Maldonado’s wife, it is reported that she was injured at least twice, one of them in the head. In addition, the judicial police noted that ballistic evidence was found in the car in which the victims were traveling. They were picked up by bailiffs who took the car to the Forensic Science Complex for further forensic examination.

Several organizations have voiced their support for the victims, including Together for Nicaragua, which issued a strong statement condemning the January 10, 2024 attack on Joao Maldonado and Nadia Robleto, whom they describe as prominent opposition figures. fight.

The organization categorically rejected the acts of violence committed by the dictatorial regime of Ortega and Murillo from April 2018 to the present, considering them unacceptable in any context. They also asked the competent authorities of Costa Rica to investigate and punish those who bear material and intellectual responsibility for these and other violent acts against political opponents of the dictatorial regime.