“By presidential decision, all restrictions on the introduction of photographic and cinematographic equipment are eliminated,” that was the announcement made this Friday afternoon by the spokesperson for the Nicaraguan regime, Rosario Murillo, after a week that has been marked by the criticism of the ban imposed by the General Directorate of Customs that would block cameras from entering the country unless they had an endorsement from the National Cinematheque, which had to be requested in advance of the trip.
In his monologue to the official media on January 27, Murillo stressed that the first information of the day “has to do with the decision that our commander Daniel (Ortega) has transferred to the General Directorate of Customs to eliminate all obstacles to the introduction of photographic or filming equipment for those who visit our blessed Nicaragua”.
Related news: “Fear and paranoia” consume Ortega and Murillo, say defenders after banning travelers from bringing cameras into Nicaragua
This week the new regulations of the Ortega-Murillo regime were made public to prohibit tourists from entering Nicaragua with photographic and video cameras, as well as night vision binoculars; journalists, artists and activists classified this measure as “a breach of the Constitution.”
Others agreed that this action sought to hide from the world the constant violations of human rights that are carried out in the country.
Murillo said that the official statement where the regime would be backing down from its attempt to silence even the travelers will be released this afternoon.
He argued that the objective of going back with the regulations is to encourage tourism that “is growing more and more. Nicaragua, safe, free, calm and blessed.
“The customs authority will proceed to register the entry of this type of merchandise (cameras and binoculars) in the temporary import regime with re-export in the same state of the customs computer system. Attached to this technical circular, a short list of film and photographic equipment to illustrate the professional and amateur categories is indicated as a reference to determine the withholding prior to the issuance of the guarantee; as well as a reference for accessories for equipment for professional use,” says the Customs statement dated January 16.
