TRIBUTES have poured in from across the world after the death of Nicaraguan national liberation hero Jacinto Surarez Espinosa, who died peacefully last week in the capital Managua at the age of 91.

He remained a leading member of the Sandinista government and was a deputy in the Nicaraguan parliament, serving as president of the International Relations Commission until his death.

Mr Suarez was part of the struggle that led to the overthrow of the US-backed Somoza dictatorship that ruled over Nicaragua for more than 40 years.

During that time he spent more than seven years in jail but never bowed, despite being beaten and tortured.

He was described as a “Sandinista militant who devoted himself unfailingly to the liberation struggles of Nicaragua and the world.”

In a statement the government praised his “courageous contribution” and said his commitment to the revolutionary principles of the Sandinistas would never be forgotten.

“Jacinto Suarez will remain in the heart of every Nicaraguan and of all the revolutionaries in the world who knew him and learned from his solidarity, honesty, and humanism,” it said.

Messages of solidarity were received from political parties and trade unions in the region including from Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru and Uruguay.