Diaz-Balart Releases Statement on Passing of Nicaraguan Contra Leader Adolfo Calero Portocarrero

Washington, D.C.– Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement on the death of Adolfo Calero Portocarrero, who passed away this morning:

“Earlier this morning, respected pro-democracy leader Adolfo Calero Portocarrero passed away. By founding and serving as the president of Fuerza Democrática Nicaragüense (FDN), Calero Portocarrero was the symbol of a country struggling to regain its freedom from the communist dictatorship that controlled Nicaragua during the 1980s. The Nicaraguan people showed great heroism in their battle for democracy and independence from the Ortega dictatorship. While Ortega has returned to power, the drive for freedom continues to live on through the tireless spirit of the people of Nicaragua and its exile community living in South Florida. Today, I mourn the death of a brave hero who fought for the freedom of his people.”

“My thoughts are with his wife, children, family, and the people of Nicaragua, as they cope with such a painful loss. May God bless them through this time, and may his soul rest in peace.”