Protests in Nicaragua leave dozens dead

At least 24 four people are believed to have died in demonstrations against a series of unpopular government reforms in Nicaragua.

The protests started on Wednesday following the approval of a controversial pensions reform that would increase workers contributions while reducing their benefits.

After days of silence, on Saturday President Daniel Ortega opened the way for negotiations, saying that his representatives were "ready to go to the negotiating table". However some protesters believe the announcement by the president is too little too late and are demanding that Ortega stand down.


Ortega, who led Nicaragua in the 1980s has overseen a period of economic growth and stability since returning to power in 2007 though critics say it has come with an erosion of fundamental freedoms and an increasingly authoritarian presidency.