Teenager killed in Nicaragua as protest tensions flare again


By the Associated Press

Armed men wearing hoods clashed with anti-government protesters in Nicaragua's capital Sunday, and police said a teenager was killed and five people were injured.

Riot police are confronted by anti-government demonstrators in Managua, Nicaragua, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018. Police and militias opened fire during a peaceful anti-government march leaving at least one dead and several wounded. (AP Photo/Oscar Navarrete) Riot police are confronted by anti-government demonstrators in Managua, Nicaragua, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Oscar Navarrete/MANILA BULLETIN)

Images on Nicaraguan television showed men carrying guns and the red and black flag of the government of President Daniel Ortega.

A police statement said 16-year-old Max Romero was killed during "crossfire" after protesters began throwing rocks at nearby homes.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights says more than 320 people have died since violence broke out in Nicaragua in April over a since-rescinded government plan to cut social security pensions.

Protesters are calling for an early presidential election, but Ortega said Saturday that they will have to wait until his term ends in 2021.