Anti-government protests in Nicaragua entered the fifth day on Sunday as the death toll from the violence rose and looting was reported in some areas, aggravating the crisis around longstanding President Daniel Ortega.

The Red Cross said at least seven people had died and hundreds had been injured in the demonstrations, while a local human rights organization said it had registered 25 deaths.

The protests began on Wednesday over plans to increase worker contributions to social security and lower pensions, and some stores in Managua were looted over the weekend, Reuters witnesses said. At least two protest marches were planned in Managua on Sunday.

Late on Saturday, local media said a reporter was shot and killed during a live broadcast from Bluefields, a town on the Caribbean coast hit by the unrest. Graphic footage of the incident soon spread onto local and social media.

The police crackdown on demonstrators and curbs on some media in the past few days have fueled broader criticism of Ortega, who has gradually tightened his hold on the country's institutions since he returned to power over 11 years ago.

The US&nbsp;State Department on Sunday called for "broad-based dialogue" to end the dispute and "restore respect" for human rights, urging the government to let the media operate freely.

"We condemn the violence and the excessive force used by police and others against civilians who are exercising their ... right to freedom of expression and assembly," US&nbsp;State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in statement.

Lissett Guido, a Red Cross spokeswoman, said there were seven confirmed deaths and that the number would likely rise. The government had reported "almost 10" by late on Friday.

Marlin Sierra, director of human rights organization CENIDH, said it had logged 25 deaths, mostly caused by firearms and rubber bullets. That number could not be independently verified. Most of the dead were aged between 15 and 34, she said.

Pope Francis called on Sunday for an end to the violence in Nicaragua and called for differences to be "resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility."

Videos and photos posted on Nicaraguan media showed people standing ready to defend their stores, while others formed lines to stock up on gasoline and food in case of shortages.

Nicaragua has been one of the more stable countries in Central America, largely avoiding the turmoil caused by gang violence or political upheaval that has at times plagued Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala in recent years.

But top Nicaraguan business lobby COSEP has backed peaceful protests against the government, and said it would not enter talks with Ortega to review the social security plan until he had ended police repression and restored freedom of expression.

A former Marxist guerrilla and Cold War antagonist of the United States, Ortega has presided over a period of stable growth with a blend of socialist policies and capitalism.

But critics accuse Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, of trying to establish a family dictatorship. The country remains one of the poorest in the Americas.

Ortega was a driving force in the overthrow of one of Latin America's most notorious regimes when his Sandinistas ended the Somoza dynasty's long rule of the country in 1979.

He was elected president in 1984, but a civil war, which pitted the Sandinistas against US-backed right wing Contra rebels, hurt his popularity, and he was voted out in 1990.

Not until a 2006 election did Ortega reclaim the presidency.

Now 72, he has maintained an uneasy relationship with the United States, toning down his Cold War rhetoric but forging close ties with US&nbsp;adversaries such as the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and his successor Nicolas Maduro.

The Red Cross said hundreds had been injured in demonstrations. The protests began on Wednesday over plans to increase worker contributions to social security and lower pensions

Anti-government protests in Nicaragua entered the fifth day on Sunday as the death toll from the violence rose and looting was reported in some areas, aggravating the crisis around longstanding President Daniel Ortega. The Red Cross said at least seven people had died and hundreds had been injured in the demonstrations, while a local human rights organization said it had registered 25 deaths. The protests began on Wednesday over plans to increase worker contributions to social security and lower pensions, and some stores in Managua were looted over the weekend, Reuters witnesses said. At least two protest marches were planned in Managua on Sunday. Late on Saturday, local media said a reporter was shot and killed during a live broadcast from Bluefields, a town on the Caribbean coast hit by the unrest. Graphic footage of the incident soon spread onto local and social media. The police crackdown on demonstrators and curbs on some media in the past few days have fueled broader criticism of Ortega, who has gradually tightened his hold on the country's institutions since he returned to power over 11 years ago. The US State Department on Sunday called for "broad-based dialogue" to end the dispute and "restore respect" for human rights, urging the government to let the media operate freely. "We condemn the violence and the excessive force used by police and others against civilians who are exercising their ... right to freedom of expression and assembly," US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in statement. Lissett Guido, a Red Cross spokeswoman, said there were seven confirmed deaths and that the number would likely rise. The government had reported "almost 10" by late on Friday. Marlin Sierra, director of human rights organization CENIDH, said it had logged 25 deaths, mostly caused by firearms and rubber bullets. That number could not be independently verified. Most of the dead were aged between 15 and 34, she said. Pope Francis called on Sunday for an end to the violence in Nicaragua and called for differences to be "resolved peacefully and with a sense of responsibility." Videos and photos posted on Nicaraguan media showed people standing ready to defend their stores, while others formed lines to stock up on gasoline and food in case of shortages. Nicaragua has been one of the more stable countries in Central America, largely avoiding the turmoil caused by gang violence or political upheaval that has at times plagued Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala in recent years. But top Nicaraguan business lobby COSEP has backed peaceful protests against the government, and said it would not enter talks with Ortega to review the social security plan until he had ended police repression and restored freedom of expression. A former Marxist guerrilla and Cold War antagonist of the United States, Ortega has presided over a period of stable growth with a blend of socialist policies and capitalism. But critics accuse Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, of trying to establish a family dictatorship. The country remains one of the poorest in the Americas. Ortega was a driving force in the overthrow of one of Latin America's most notorious regimes when his Sandinistas ended the Somoza dynasty's long rule of the country in 1979. He was elected president in 1984, but a civil war, which pitted the Sandinistas against US-backed right wing Contra rebels, hurt his popularity, and he was voted out in 1990. Not until a 2006 election did Ortega reclaim the presidency. Now 72, he has maintained an uneasy relationship with the United States, toning down his Cold War rhetoric but forging close ties with US adversaries such as the late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and his successor Nicolas Maduro.

Nicaragua anti-government protests enter day 5, seven dead

Anti-government protests were organised in Nicaragua by pensioners in Central America in which at least 10 people have died in a clash between demonstrators and security forces.

A journalist and a police were among the people who died during the protest.

Demonstrators have alleged that national police is using live rounds to kill protestors. More than 100 people have been injured in the clash, Reuters reported.

According to media reports, 67 people have also been shot with bullets by pro-government groups.

In further reports, 43 people have been disappeared.

Nicaraguans are holding protests from Wednesday&nbspagainst the new social security reforms which were approved on Wednesday. Under the new&nbspsocial security&nbspreforms, the tax has been increased and five per cent of deduction from pensions has been made.

Army troops were also deployed on Saturday morning to mayor's office in Managua for protection of the offices.

Demonstrators burned tires and pelted stones at security forces. Government offices were also vandalised.

Nicaragua's president Daniel Ortega has urged the demonstrators to maintain peace and assured that the government is willing to review the pension reforms.

Anti-government protests were organised in Nicaragua by pensioners in Central America in which at least 10 people have died in a clash between demonstrators and security forces

Anti-government protests were organised in Nicaragua by pensioners in Central America in which at least 10 people have died in a clash between demonstrators and security forces. A journalist and a police were among the people who died during the protest. Demonstrators have alleged that national police is using live rounds to kill protestors. More than 100 people have been injured in the clash, Reuters reported. According to media reports, 67 people have also been shot with bullets by pro-government groups. In further reports, 43 people have been disappeared. Nicaraguans are holding protests from Wednesday&nbspagainst the new social security reforms which were approved on Wednesday. Under the new&nbspsocial security&nbspreforms, the tax has been increased and five per cent of deduction from pensions has been made. Army troops were also deployed on Saturday morning to mayor's office in Managua for protection of the offices. Demonstrators burned tires and pelted stones at security forces. Government offices were also vandalised. Nicaragua's president Daniel Ortega has urged the demonstrators to maintain peace and assured that the government is willing to review the pension reforms.

Nicaragua: at least 10 dead: authorities call for peace

&nbsp;

Daniel Ortega was sworn as Nicaragua&#39;s president for the third time. Ortega, 71, was elected to office with 72.5 per cent of the vote.

Ortega took the oath in Managua with the presidents of Venezuela, Bolivia and Taiwan in attendance.

Ortega&#39;s wife, Rosario Murillo, 65, became the new vice-president as their&nbsp;party won 71 of the 92 seats in Parliament during&nbsp;the elections held in November.&nbsp;

Daniel Ortega has been president of Nicaragua since 2007.

(Agencies)

&nbsp;

Ortega's wife, Rosario Murillo became the new vice-president as their party won 71 of the 92 seats in Parliament

Daniel Ortega was sworn as Nicaragua's president for the third time. Ortega, 71, was elected to office with 72.5 per cent of the vote. Ortega took the oath in Managua with the presidents of Venezuela, Bolivia and Taiwan in attendance. Ortega's wife, Rosario Murillo, 65, became the new vice-president as their party won 71 of the 92 seats in Parliament during the elections held in November. Daniel Ortega has been president of Nicaragua since 2007. (Agencies)

Ortega sworn in for third term as Nicaragua's president

The early effects of Hurricane Otto have killed at least three people and left five more missing in Panama as the nation braces for it.

The country has deployed its rescue workers as rain brought a number of houses down, trapping people inside.

Panama lowered its alert to yellow on Wednesday as Otto moved north. Classes were canceled but will be restored on Thursday, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced.

It was also confirmed that at least three deaths in Panama included a couple killed in a slide in Arraijan and an eight-year-old boy killed by a fallen tree in the region of Ancon.

Nicaragua and Costa Rica are also bracing for the impact of Hurricane Otto, which is set to make landfall on Thursday.

The authorities of Nicaragua&#39;s national disaster prevention system, SINAPRED, decreed a red alert across the country on Wednesday, with Otto expected to hit the towns of Pearl Lagoon and Kukra Hill in South Carribean Coast Autonomous Region early Thursday.

In Costa Rica, officials expect Otto to lash near its border with Nicaragua. On Tuesday evening, President Luis Guillermo Solis gave a press conference, calling the hurricane &quot;highly dangerous.&quot;

The countries of Central America have not been hit by hurricanes in such southern areas, which meant they have less preparation and resource than other more hurricane-prone countries.

(Reuters)

The country has deployed its rescue workers as rain brought a number of houses down, trapping people inside

The early effects of Hurricane Otto have killed at least three people and left five more missing in Panama as the nation braces for it. The country has deployed its rescue workers as rain brought a number of houses down, trapping people inside. Panama lowered its alert to yellow on Wednesday as Otto moved north. Classes were canceled but will be restored on Thursday, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela announced. It was also confirmed that at least three deaths in Panama included a couple killed in a slide in Arraijan and an eight-year-old boy killed by a fallen tree in the region of Ancon. Nicaragua and Costa Rica are also bracing for the impact of Hurricane Otto, which is set to make landfall on Thursday. The authorities of Nicaragua's national disaster prevention system, SINAPRED, decreed a red alert across the country on Wednesday, with Otto expected to hit the towns of Pearl Lagoon and Kukra Hill in South Carribean Coast Autonomous Region early Thursday. In Costa Rica, officials expect Otto to lash near its border with Nicaragua. On Tuesday evening, President Luis Guillermo Solis gave a press conference, calling the hurricane "highly dangerous." The countries of Central America have not been hit by hurricanes in such southern areas, which meant they have less preparation and resource than other more hurricane-prone countries. (Reuters)

Hurricane Otto: At least 3 killed, 5 missing in Panama

A senior police chief who co-founded Nicaragua&#39;s modern police service was murdered in front of his home by unidentified gunmen on Thursday, officials said. 
 
Police commissioner Buenaventura Miranda, 57, was killed late Wednesday in the city of Boaco, 75 kilometres northwest of the capital city Managua, where he was in charge of the regional department. 
 
Miranda helped set up the country&#39;s police force when it was formed 37 years ago after left-wing Sandinista rebels took charge. He sat on the National Police Council which ran policing matters across the country. 
 
Unlike its northern neighbors in Central America, Nicaragua does not suffer rampant gang-related crime and is generally considered one of the safer countries in the region. 
 
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega&nbsp;said organized crime and drug smuggling were an &quot;outside destabilizing factor that has cost the lives of many Nicaraguans and the lives of many police brothers.&quot; 
 
Authorities are investigating the possibility he was gunned down by criminals. 
 
President Ortega described the murder as a &quot;cowardly attack.&quot; 
 
Nicaragua&#39;s national police chief, Aminta Granera, vowed the perpetrators would be caught and punished. 
 
&quot;Wherever they are, we will look for them until they are brought to justice,&quot; she said.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Buenaventura Miranda was killed in front of his house. He helped set up Nicaragua's police force 37 years ago

A senior police chief who co-founded Nicaragua's modern police service was murdered in front of his home by unidentified gunmen on Thursday, officials said. Police commissioner Buenaventura Miranda, 57, was killed late Wednesday in the city of Boaco, 75 kilometres northwest of the capital city Managua, where he was in charge of the regional department. Miranda helped set up the country's police force when it was formed 37 years ago after left-wing Sandinista rebels took charge. He sat on the National Police Council which ran policing matters across the country. Unlike its northern neighbors in Central America, Nicaragua does not suffer rampant gang-related crime and is generally considered one of the safer countries in the region. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said organized crime and drug smuggling were an "outside destabilizing factor that has cost the lives of many Nicaraguans and the lives of many police brothers." Authorities are investigating the possibility he was gunned down by criminals. President Ortega described the murder as a "cowardly attack." Nicaragua's national police chief, Aminta Granera, vowed the perpetrators would be caught and punished. "Wherever they are, we will look for them until they are brought to justice," she said. (AFP)

Nicaraguan local police commissioner gunned down outside capital Managua

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake and at least three aftershocks shook northwestern Nicaragua on Thursday night. 
 
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. 
 
The 6.1 quake struck at 9:25 PM (0325 GMT), centered 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) east of Puerto Morazan near the Honduras border at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey. 
 
It was followed by three weaker aftershocks within the next 20 minutes, USGS said. 
 
&quot;The quake was felt almost throughout the country,&quot; government spokeswoman and First Lady Rosario Murillo said, calling it &quot;unusually strong.&quot; 
 
She urged residents to stay calm, warning of the threat of more aftershocks. 
 
Puerto Morazan is about 125 kilometers northwest of the capital Managua.

An earthquake of 6.1 magnitude hit northwestern Nicaragua on Thursday night. There was no damage or casualty reported

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake and at least three aftershocks shook northwestern Nicaragua on Thursday night. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The 6.1 quake struck at 9:25 PM (0325 GMT), centered 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) east of Puerto Morazan near the Honduras border at a depth of 10 kilometers, according to the United States Geological Survey. It was followed by three weaker aftershocks within the next 20 minutes, USGS said. "The quake was felt almost throughout the country," government spokeswoman and First Lady Rosario Murillo said, calling it "unusually strong." She urged residents to stay calm, warning of the threat of more aftershocks. Puerto Morazan is about 125 kilometers northwest of the capital Managua.

6.1 magnitude quake, aftershocks shake northwest Nicaragua

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