U.S REVOKES TOURIST VISAS OF LA NACIÓN BOARD MEMBERS IN COSTA RICA, SPARKING PRESS FREEDOM CONCERNS. (PHOTO).

 U.S revokes tourist visas of La Nación board members in Costa Rica, sparking press freedom concerns

The United States has revoked tourist visas for five of the seven members of the board of directors of Costa Rica’s leading newspaper, a move that has drawn concern from press freedom advocates and political observers in the country.

The decision was confirmed by the newspaper in a statement on Saturday, which said the visas were withdrawn without prior notice or a detailed explanation. The U.S. State Department cited confidentiality rules for not providing further information.

Those affected include board chairman Pedro Abreu Jiménez, vice chairman Luis Javier Castro Lachner, and directors Carmen Montero Luthmer, Luis Carlos Chaves Fonseca, and Daniel Lacayo Abreu.

The newspaper described the action as a form of pressure tied to its editorial reporting, which has been critical of the government of President Rodrigo Chaves. Its coverage has included investigations into allegations of sexual misconduct and campaign financing.

The development comes as Chaves prepares to leave office Friday, with his political ally Laura Fernández set to succeed him. Fernández has said she intends to continue cooperation agreements with the United States on migration, including arrangements involving deportations.

Press organizations in Costa Rica, including journalists’ associations and free expression groups, called on the government to seek clarification from Washington, warning that a lack of response could be seen as acceptance of measures they say could undermine editorial independence.

A regional press freedom group also criticized the move, warning it could signal a broader erosion of press freedoms in Costa Rica. International watchdog reporting has recently noted a decline in the country’s press freedom ranking, citing increased tension between authorities and independent media.

The visa revocations follow other recent cases involving Costa Rican public figures, including former government officials, judges, and opposition lawmakers, who have also had travel privileges to the United States restricted.