US Revokes Visas of Costa Rican Newspaper Board Members Amid Criticism of President

The United States has revoked the visas of several board members of *La Nación*, Costa Rica's leading newspaper, sparking international concern for press freedom. The move follows months of critical reporting by the newspaper on President Rodrigo Chaves' administration, particularly his close ties with the U.S. While U.S. officials have not provided specific reasons, analysts suggest it may be a strategic effort to support an ally facing domestic criticism. This action has drawn condemnation from Costa Rican journalists' unions and international press freedom organizations like RSF and CPJ, who view it as an attempt to intimidate the press and a potential U.S. foreign policy shift prioritizing alliances over democratic discourse. The incident raises questions about the U.S.'s commitment to press freedom and its methods for influencing regional politics, potentially setting a concerning precedent for journalistic independence in Latin America.