Miss Universe and Miss Nicaragua Caught in Nicaragua Government Crackdown

After Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua won the Miss Universe pageant, the authoritarian government led by President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, launched a crackdown on those associated with the competition. The government claimed that the director of the Miss Nicaragua contest, Karen Celebertti, and Palacios were part of an "anti-patriotic conspiracy" to overthrow the regime. Celebertti's husband and son have been arrested, and she was not allowed back into Nicaragua. This is part of the government's broader campaign against political rivals, activists, and journalists. The government's response to a beauty competition highlights its tactics against opponents and its fear of losing control.