More than a dozen people have died in shootings that erupted around protests in Nicaragua, but the Government and human rights groups differed on who was to blame.
The Nicaraguan Centre for Human Rights, which said it had members participating, said at least 11 people died when peaceful marches were attacked "by the repressive police and shock forces" loyal to President Daniel Ortega, the latter a reference to pro-government youth groups.
Francisco Diaz, the second in command of the national police, said there were 15 deaths nationwide, which he blamed on "criminal gangs".
Foreign Minister Denis Moncada said the violence was generated by opposition political groups and said, "The Government rejects any responsibility in that violence."
The Mother's Day marches were led by mothers of the victims of earlier protests. But some ended with gunmen firing into crowds sending thousands of demonstrators running for cover.
