The US state department has been accused of taking a heavy-handed approach towards journalists and media outlets critical of the current administration, with the cancellation of tourist visas for board members of Costa Rica's leading national newspaper, La Nación.
La Nación has been vocal in its criticism of Costa Rica's president, Rodrigo Chaves, who has been accused of emulating the policies of Donald Trump. The newspaper has faced intense scrutiny from the Chaves administration, with several of its journalists facing intimidation and harassment.
The US state department's decision to cancel the visas of La Nación board members has sparked widespread concern over press freedom and the implications for Costa Rican media. The move has been described as a 'clear attack on the press' by opposition politicians in Costa Rica.
La Nación's editor, Javier Chavarría, has stated that the newspaper will continue to hold the government accountable, despite the visa cancellations. The newspaper has also received support from the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists, which has called on the US state department to reverse its decision.
The cancellation of the visas has also raised questions over the impact on tourism and trade between the US and Costa Rica. The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to Costa Rica, citing the 'increased tensions' between the government and the media.
The UK Government has yet to comment on the visa cancellations, but sources close to the Foreign Office have expressed concern over the implications for press freedom in Costa Rica.