The Victim Is Still Waiting for Justice: Institutional Silence and Internal Maneuvering in the Nicaragua Abuse Case
The ongoing sexual abuse case in Nicaragua involving members of the national Taekwondo community has revealed a disturbing network of silence, complicity, and apparent cover-ups—implicating not only local authorities but also key figures within World Taekwondo (WT) and the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU). Nearly a month after the incident, neither the accused coach — Mario Zavala — nor his father — Salvador Zavala, President of the Nicaraguan Taekwondo Federation — has been removed from his position. Meanwhile, the victim, a minor, attempted to take her own life as a result of the trauma.
The ongoing sexual abuse case in Nicaragua involving members of the national Taekwondo community has revealed a disturbing network of silence, complicity, and apparent cover-ups—implicating not only local authorities but also key figures within World Taekwondo (WT) and the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU). Nearly a month after the incident, neither the accused coach — Mario Zavala — nor his father — Salvador Zavala, President of the Nicaraguan Taekwondo Federation — has been removed from his position. Meanwhile, the victim, a minor, attempted to take her own life as a result of the trauma.
The MASTKD investigative team has obtained official documents, email exchanges, and direct testimony that demonstrate a lack of institutional will to protect the girl and her family.
Two Responses, Countless Silences
After submitting a formal complaint to multiple official WT and PATU addresses, Jessica Barrios — the victim’s mother — received only two replies:
The first came from María Borello, a WT Council Member, but it was sent from the official email address of the Guatemalan Taekwondo Federation — an organization in which Borello holds no official leadership role, although she appears to exert significant control. In her brief response, Borello simply noted that the documents had been forwarded to the «appropriate authorities,» without mentioning any concrete steps.
The second reply arrived days later and was signed by Asifa Ali, WT’s Coordinator of Disputes & Integrity. The message acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and referred to “urgent safeguarding procedures.” Yet, to this day, no formal measures or visible sanctions have been implemented.
PATU, for its part, has never issued any response—neither institutionally nor through its President, Juan Manuel López Delgado. This silence is especially troubling given that PATU will hold internal elections in June, and Salvador Zavala — the father of the accused — has a vote in that assembly.
Meanwhile, Mario Zavala Remains in Charge of His Academy
In a display of arrogance and total disconnection from the severity of the allegations, Mario Zavala recently sent a message to parents of athletes at his club, announcing new training activities, camps, and even national team selection opportunities — as if he were not under criminal investigation for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor.
The Hardest Consequence: A Suicide Attempt
On May 24, the daughter of Jessica Barrios attempted to take her own life. The incident was reported to WT authorities along with medical documentation from Nicaragua’s Institute of Legal Medicine, which confirmed that the girl is suffering from psychological trauma consistent with sexual abuse.
In a new message, her mother wrote:
“My daughter attempted to take her own life. How can both father and son continue happily organizing events while my child is living through this nightmare? As a mother, I will fight for her to be heard — even if it means going to jail.”
Borello: Censorship and Manipulation
According to Barrios, María Borello not only failed to act with the urgency the case required, but also advised her not to speak to MASTKD, claiming:
“Don’t talk to them. They won’t help you. We (WT) are the only ones who can do something.”
This statement strongly suggests an attempt to suppress the case and keep it out of the public eye — a strategy reminiscent of the Costa Rica case, which only received attention after it was made public by MASTKD.
An Urgent Plea That Remains Unanswered
On May 10, Claudio Aranda, CEO of MASTKD, sent a formal letter to WT and PATU authorities, calling for immediate action, provisional suspensions, and active support for victims. As of today, no official response has been received.
“We cannot ask our athletes to respect the values of Taekwondo if our organizations and leaders do not practice or defend those values,” reads the letter.
URGENT CALL TO ACTION TO PROTECT MINORS AND VICTIMS OF ABUSE IN TAEKWONDO
MASTKD Will Continue Standing With the Victim
While WT and PATU remain passive, MASTKD reaffirms its commitment to truth and to those who suffer in silence. We will not stay quiet. We will not make peace with silence. We will continue to investigate and expose every maneuver designed to shield those who should face justice.
Taekwondo must once again become a safe space — not only to compete, but to live.
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