The Miss Nicaragua pageant’s director has declared her resignation from the group, following accusations of “conspiracy” and other offenses made by the police nine days prior.
“I am officially retiring,” stated Karen Celebertti on X, previously known as Twitter. “I am confident that there will always be new opportunities available.”
This was her initial public statement following the crowning of Miss Universe on November 18th, when Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was unexpectedly crowned, serving as a symbol of hope for those against the Nicaraguan government.
There has been no mention of explicit political statements from Palacios during or after the competition. However, it was revealed before the pageant that she had taken part in large-scale street demonstrations against President Daniel Ortega’s administration in 2018.
The government seemed uneasy about the street celebrations that followed her victory, as they have tightly controlled public gatherings since they suppressed the 2018 protests.
The government sent a message of congratulations to Palacios, but it was posted without the usual signatures of Ortega or Rosario Murillo, his wife and the vice-president.
Murillo later appeared on television, claiming that individuals plotting a coup were planning to create artificial disturbances disguised as celebrations for Miss Universe.
The authorities also arrested a TikTok creator who supported Palacios against government scrutiny, and compelled two artists to cover up a mural they had started in her tribute in Estelí.
As reported by the local media, officials in charge of immigration stopped Celebertti and her daughter Luciana from coming into the country on November 22. This was following their attendance at Palacios’s crowning ceremony and their accompanying her on a brief visit to Mexico.
Eventually, it was declared that law enforcement searched Celebertti’s residence in the south-west of Managua and apprehended her spouse, Martín Argüello, and their child, Bernardo.
The authorities charged the three members of the Argüello Celebertti family on 2 December with treason, conspiracy, and “organized crime” without confirming their arrest.
According to the national police, Celebertti was involved in both online and physical terrorist activities during the failed coup, likely referring to the protests that occurred in 2018.
Celebertti stated on Monday that she dedicated 23 years of hard work and determination until Nicaragua achieved the world beauty title this year. She described it as a victory for all, regardless of political affiliations, and a source of pride for every Nicaraguan.
Palacios has not visited Nicaragua since her victory, but she recently informed a journalist that she is getting ready to go back home.
Source: theguardian.com
