Politics in Nicaragua, lipstick as a weapon of political protest

Can makeup be a political weapon?Yes, if we believe the situation in Nicaragua.Since April, the country has been shaken by a violent political crisis, which opposes the president, Daniel Ortega, 72, to the demonstrators who accuse him of wanting to set up a dictatorship with his wife, Rosario Murillo.Since the start of this crisis, nearly 500 people have been arrested and 300 have lost their lives in clashes with regime forces, according to figures from the Nicaraguan Human Rights Center (CENIDH), relayed by France 24.

For the #Soypicorojo movement - which could be translated as "I am a red beak" - it all started on October 14, in a shopping center car park in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua.A hundred demonstrators meet there and protest against the policy of Daniel Ortega.The police intervene and 38 people are arrested.Among them, the journalist, sociologist and feminist activist Marlen Chow.Former activist against the dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza in the 1970s, she decided to make up just before her interrogation by the police and chooses to wear a bright bright lipstick.She then makes him pass to her fellow prisoners, and invites them to do the same.All imitated it, without fear of reprisals since wearing red on its lips is not a crime."What could they do for that?"Reacted Marlen Chow, released the same day with seven other women.

Lipstick has become a real symbol of resistance against Ortega policy

During his interrogation, the police asked Marlen Chow about his belonging to an organization.To which she replied, ironically, that she was "part of the association of red beaks".The activist then told the media that this response had "destabilized" the investigators.History quickly went around social networks, where the hashtag #soypicorojo emerged.Women and men have taken hold of the movement, posting photos of them, lips shaded in red.Lipstick has become a real symbol of resistance against the policy of Daniel Ortega and his wife Rosario Murillo.Hashtag users are asking for the release of 500 opponents of the registration imprisoned since the start of the conflict and they were joined by Internet users from all over the Globe in their fight.

"" I belong to the association of red beaks ", Marlen Chow, 15-10-18.Me too #jesuisunbecrouge »

SOMEDAY I’m Gonna Meet Someone who will show me How to Use Commas Properly and IMA LOVE Them Unconditionally Till Forever.

— Benicio Incognito Thu Jul 22 18:33:14 +0000 2021

"The Tuesdays, I am a volunteer with friends in a retirement home, and today I asked grandmothers what they thought of the situation and political prisoners, they answered like this: #Jesuisunbecrouge»»

"Tomorrow, a new form of protest with the Association of Women with Red Bec, and ask for freedom for all and for each of the political prisoners #Sosnicaragua"

"We denounce the Nicaraguan government by wearing red lipstick.It will probably be the next thing made illegal in Nicaragua.#Jesuisunbecrouge #liberezamayacoppens #sosnicaragua »

"I join the creative protest of Nicaraguan women who faced the regime with a lot of values.Force children!#Jesuisunbecrouge #sosnicaragua #sosnicaraguaglobal »