This case stems from the sale of a string of islands in the Caribbean belonging to several indigenous communities by an American real estate developer who had no legal title to the islands. The husband of a human rights defender who had opposed the occupation of the islands by the private security hired by the real-estate developer was murdered. Although the culprits were immediately identified, a long investigation and trials ensued, including of the human rights defender who was accused of having murdered her husband. Eventually, the human rights defender was acquitted, while the assassins were tried and found guilty. The principal who ordered the hit was never prosecuted. The Court found violation of several articles of the American Convention caused by the failure of the State to properly investigate and prosecute.
Case Summary: Acosta Castellón et al. v. Nicaragua, Case Summary