Bombing of Tomb Prompts Rioting in Managua

An explosion damaged the mausoleum of a revered Sandinista hero Saturday and set off a rampage by Sandinistas who battled former Contra guerrillas, looted City Hall and destroyed a radio station.

Sandinista leader and former President Daniel Ortega told a frenzied crowd that government rightists are “sowing discord, violence and instability.”

Armed Sandinistas, many with bandannas covering their faces, rampaged through the capital and elsewhere, burning buildings and damaging property. At least two people were injured.

The day of violence began about 2 a.m. when an explosion blew out a corner of the mausoleum of Sandinista Front founder Carlos Fonseca, who died fighting dictator Anastasio Somoza’s National Guard.

It came just hours after the Sandinista Front had finished celebrating the 15th anniversary of Fonseca’s death.

Sandinistas blamed right-wing Managua Mayor Arnoldo Aleman, partly because of the recent heated feud between him and Ortega. But Vice President Virgilio Godoy blamed Ortega, implying it was an excuse to engage in violence.

“The Sandinistas have the money and the bombs to do it,” he told a pro-government radio station.

More than 18 months after Violeta Barrios de Chamorro became president of Nicaragua, her government remains locked in conflict with the Sandinistas, whose 10-year rule was characterized by class conflict, economic decline and war with the U.S.-backed Contras.

Meanwhile, a group of about 20 armed men destroyed the equipment of Radio la Corporacion in Managua, which is owned by Sandinista opponents and is known for its right-wing views.

Manager Justo Rufino Meneses said in a telephone interview the attackers ordered the seven staff members present to leave. “Then they gunned the equipment and destroyed it,” he said.