Miss Universe Win Sparks Political Controversy in Nicaragua

Sheynnis Palacios' victory exposes deep divisions in the country, as her past involvement in anti-government protests comes to light.

Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios won the Miss Universe competition, sparking both celebration and controversy in her home country.
Palacios' victory was initially hailed as a public relations win for Nicaragua's increasingly isolated government, but it soon emerged that she had graduated from a college at the center of 2018 protests against the regime.
Ordinary Nicaraguans, who are largely forbidden to protest, used the Miss Universe win as an opportunity to celebrate in the streets, waving the national flag rather than the government's Sandinista banner.
The government, led by President Daniel Ortega, has been criticized for its repressive measures, including the violent suppression of protests, the closure of universities and civic groups, and the arrest and expulsion of opponents.
Despite the controversy, Palacios, who has not commented on the political situation, has expressed her desire to promote mental health and work towards closing the gender pay gap.