Latin America & Caribbean

In photos: Nicaragua protests leave town hall in touristy Granada ablaze

The latest casualty in the clashes between supporters and opponents of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is the colonial municipality in Granada. The tourist city suffered its first fatalities on Tuesday.

Univision picture

PUBLICIDAD

After six weeks of protests the violence reached the normally peaceful city of Granada on Tuesday. Firfighters were unable to control the blaze that engulfed the colonial town hall which dates from the 16th century.

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After six weeks of protests the violence reached the normally peaceful city of Granada on Tuesday. Firfighters were unable to control the blaze that engulfed the colonial town hall which dates from the 16th century.

Jorge Cabrera/Reuters

PUBLICIDAD

Firefighters on the roof of the town hall. It was last set ablaze in 1856 on the orders of American filibuster William Walker. Walker briefly declared himself president of Nicaragua and was defeated by a Central American army in 1857.

2/6Jorge Cabrera/Reuters

PUBLICIDAD

The street protests against the Ortega government broke out April 18 over an unpopular social security reform and show no signs of stopping. Protestors are demanding the resignation of Sandinista President Daniel Ortega.

3/6Jorge Cabrera/Reuters

PUBLICIDAD

The interior and roof of the two-story building was severaly damaged.

4/6Jorge Cabrera/Reuters

PUBLICIDAD

The town hall dates from the 16th century and has been renovated several times. It houses the mayor's office and handles local affairs.

5/6Jorge Cabrera/Reuters

PUBLICIDAD

Firefighters were able to save some rooms the walls of which are noted for a collection of old black and photos of Grenada.

6/6Jorge Cabrera/Reuters

PUBLICIDAD

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Latin America & Caribbean