The Miss Nicaragua pageant’s director has declared her resignation from the group, following accusations of “conspiracy” and other offenses by the police nine days earlier.
“I am announcing my retirement,” Karen Celebertti posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I am aware that there will always be more chances for us.”
This is the first time she has made a public statement since Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua was named Miss Universe on November 18th. Her win has unexpectedly become a symbol of hope for those who oppose the Nicaraguan government.
Palacios herself has said nothing overtly political during or since the contest, but before the pageant it emerged that in 2018 she had participated in mass street protests against the government of President Daniel Ortega.
The government seemed unsettled by the street festivities following her victory, as it has maintained strict control over public gatherings since quelling the 2018 turmoil.
The government released a message of congratulations for Palacios, but it did not include the usual signatures of Ortega or his wife and vice-president, Rosario Murillo.
Murillo later made public statements claiming that individuals attempting to overthrow the government were organizing fabricated disturbances in the name of commemorating Miss Universe.
The authorities also apprehended a TikTok content creator who spoke out in support of Palacios against government disapproval, and compelled two artists to cover up a mural they had started in her tribute in the town of Estelí.
As reported by the local media, officials in charge of immigration stopped Celebertti and her daughter Luciana from entering the country on November 22nd. This was after they had attended Palacios’s coronation and joined her on a brief visit to Mexico.
Afterwards, it was declared that the authorities conducted a search of Celebertti’s residence in the southwestern area of Managua and took her husband, Martín Argüello, and their son, Bernardo into custody.
On December 2nd, the authorities charged the three members of the Argüello Celebertti family with treason, conspiracy, and “organized crime”, but did not confirm their arrest.
The national police made a statement accusing Celebertti of actively participating in terrorist acts during the failed coup through online and physical means, likely referring to the 2018 protests.
On Monday, Celebertti announced that she dedicated 23 years of hard work and dedication to her role, leading up to Nicaragua’s recent success in the world beauty pageant. She considers this a victory for all Nicaraguans, regardless of political affiliation.
Palacios has not visited Nicaragua since her victory, but she informed a journalist last week that she was getting ready to go back to her home country.
Source: theguardian.com
