WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Dozens of South Floridians came together to show support for protesters in Nicaragua as deadly demonstrations continue to rock the Central American country.
More than 50 people gathered in West Miami-Dade, Sunday afternoon, to make their voices heard in solidarity.
They are speaking out in support of Nicaraguans who took to the streets after the government announced they were cutting social programs in an effort to save money.
According to reports, police have used violent measures to quell the demonstrations, resulting in more than two dozen deaths, including a young reporter.
Local leaders, including City of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, are also meeting Monday to discuss the situation in Nicaragua.
The U.S. State Department released a statement that reads, “The United States government regrets the loss of life and injuries suffered in Nicaragua during protests by its citizens. We condemn the violence and the excessive force used by police and others against civilians who are exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression and assembly.”
The situation has also called for the State Department to raise the threat level in the country and is encouraging Americans to reconsider travel plans until things get better.
Local protesters told 7News the turmoil hits close to home.
“We are not happy. The families are not happy. The students are not happy,” said local protester Tamara Garcia Fley. “They’re suffering, and right now, we have over 27 people [killed] in the last four days of protests, just because they to take the rights to the streets to protest, to let the people know what they feel, what they need and what they want.”
“We don’t have any defense mechanism. We don’t have guns, we don’t have anything,” said local protester Maria Rocha, “so these people over there, they’re defending themselves with rocks, with whatever they find – broomsticks and whatnot.”
Sunday evening, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced he is cancelling the pay increase resolution for the country’s Social Security program, believed to be the catalyst for the demonstrations.
However, his recent announcement is unlikely to quell protesters, who have other grievances against the government.
But local supporters said they will continue they will continue to protest until the violence in Nicaragua stops.
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