Thousands of dissidents have fled Daniel Ortega’s Nicaragua — and now, even those of us in exile no longer feel safe.

Roberto Samcam, a Nicaraguan ex-military officer who opposed the 2018 crackdown on students and the Catholic Church, was killed on Thursday while living in exile in Costa Rica. He was 67.

Major Roberto Samcam, a critic of Daniel Ortega’s government, was shot dead on June 19, 2025 in Costa Rica, where he was in exile. (Photo by Inti OCON / AFP) ...

Roberto Samcam, 67, had been living in exile since July 2018 when paramilitaries assaulted his home in Nicaragua.

Roberto Samcam, 67, had been living in exile since July 2018 when paramilitaries assaulted his home in Nicaragua.

The 46/2 Collective condemns before the international community the assassination of retired Nicaraguan Army Major Roberto Samcam Ruíz on June 19, in his home in San José, Costa Rica. Geneva, 26 June ...

Exiled Nicaraguans attend a Mass in honor of others exiled from the country, in San Jose, Costa Rica, Sunday, April 27, 2025. Roberto Samcam Ruiz took security measures seriously.

A retired Nicaraguan military officer turned outspoken critic of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega was shot to death on Thursday at his home in Costa Rica, authorities said. Roberto Samcam, 67, had ...

"Roberto was a powerful voice" who "directly denounced the dictatorship" of Ortega, Samcam's wife Claudia Vargas told reporters in San Jose as she fought back tears.

A retired Nicaraguan military officer turned outspoken critic of President Daniel Ortega was shot to death Thursday at his home in Costa Rica, authorities said. Roberto Samcam, 67, had been living ...