The dictatorship of Daniel Ortega issued a controversial measure that restricted the entry of photographic and video cameras to tourists entering Nicaragua, for which they
must obtain an "endorsement" from the National Cinematheque.
The decision was formalized by the General Directorate of Customs Services (DGA) which from now
on will have the right to seize any device that does not have approval.
The permit must be presented to the customs authorities, in charge of registering "the entry of this type of merchandise in the temporary importation regime with re-exportation in the same state of the customs system."
Thus,
tourists will not be able to freely enter the country cameras, lenses, lights, or any other accessory to capture images and sound.
To do so, they must have the approval of the Cinemateca, an institution directed by Idania Castillo, a member of the presidential family.
But if approved,
the measure limits entry to just one camera and one long-range lens
.
If he wanted to enter more articles, the visitor must pay taxes.
The measure also
prohibits the entry of night vision binoculars
, considering that they are elements "for the exclusive use of the Army and the National Police, in accordance with Law N510, Special Law for the Control and Regulation of Firearms, Ammunition , Explosives and other related materials”.
"The binoculars that do not obtain the certificate of non-regulation by the National Police and that are not withdrawn by the traveler within three months after the retention made, will be issued by delivery certificate to the higher authority of the National Police", notified the DGA
In the event that the authorities find this type of device in the luggage, "the administration or customs delegation in coordination with the Police
will carry out the retention of said merchandise
," the DGA announced in a statement.
The same would be returned by presenting a "withholding form", which would be received at the time of confiscation and which the tourist must present when leaving the country.
More fences to information
According to civil organizations and critics of the Nicaraguan regime quoted by France 24, the measure
seeks to block or hinder the work of journalists and documentary filmmakers who arrive in the country.
Last October, the National Assembly approved a legislative reform that granted more power to the National Cinematheque to regulate and authorize audiovisual production, under the pretext of
strengthening "the administration of the State based on the public interest,
preserving the institutional framework and the interests of the Nicaraguan nation.
Thus, the Cinematheque has the power to approve all audiovisual activity, which includes "
the pre-production, production, realization or filming,
exhibition and distribution of audiovisual projects".
Ortega has exercised a fierce presidency since 2007, which includes
accusations of abuse of power and the arrest of dozens of political opponents.
One of the most controversial batches occurred on the eve of the 2021 presidential elections, when several presidential candidates were arrested.
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