Former Costa Rican President and Nobel Prize laureate Oscar Arias announced on Tuesday that the United States has revoked his visa to enter the country, merely weeks after he expressed criticism towards US President Donald Trump on social media.
Arias informed reporters that he received a concise email from the US government stating his visa had been suspended, without providing any reasons. He speculated on the possible motives behind the decision.
In a February Facebook post, Arias referred to Trump’s behavior as akin to “a Roman emperor,” highlighting the difficulties faced by small nations when attempting to voice dissent against the United States.
Arias expressed his opposition towards his own government’s compliance with US demands during President Rodrigo Chaves’ administration, especially efforts aimed at curtailing China’s influence in the region.
Other Costa Rican lawmakers have also faced visa revocations for not aligning with Chaves’ objectives regarding China. At 84 years old, Arias served as President of Costa Rica during two separate terms, from 1986 to 1990 and from 2006 to 2010.
John Silk edited this article.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/former-costa-rican-president-arias-says-us-revoked-visa/a-72111280?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
