Nicaraguan Economy in Free Fall as Hundreds Killed in Protests

  • Economic activity in May fell most since end of global crisis
  • Death toll climbs as government says its fighting off a coup
Friends and relatives carry the coffin of Jose Esteban Sevilla Medina, who was shot dead in Masaya, on July 16.Photographer: Marvin Recinos/AFP via Getty Images
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Nicaragua’s economy is tanking as the violent chaos engulfing the nation paralyzes business activity.

Police and pro-government paramilitary forces fired on government opponents hiding behind barricades and on university campuses this week, and besieged protesters who’d taken refuge in a church, as the clashes showed no sign of waning after three months. More than 350 people have died since April 18, when demonstrators demanding the resignation of President Daniel Ortega began squaring off against security forces.