Residents rise up in protest in cash-strapped Nicaragua

Americas Now

Nicaragua was once one of the safest countries in Central America. These days it’s becoming one of the most dangerous.

Compared to some of its Central American neighbors, Nicaragua had stood out for its growing economy and safe environment in recent years. But all of that changed recently as the economy tanked and social problems surfaced.

Now with new taxes on workers and reduced pension plans on the elderly, citizens have taken their frustrations to the streets. And the demonstrations have turned deadly. As the death toll continues to rise, the capital and the economy are sliding further into chaos.

Americas Now sent correspondent Gerry Hadden to find out what went wrong and what could happen next.

Over 260 people have been reported as killed during the first three months of demonstrations and almost 2,000 injured.