Frontline Season 6 Episode 15 Murder on the Rio San Juan

Murder on the Rio San Juan is the fifteenth episode of the sixth season of the critically acclaimed investigative journalism documentary series Frontline. In this episode, the show takes a deep dive into the murder of American citizen and environmental activist Ben Linder.

Linder, a young engineer, had moved to Nicaragua in the midst of a political turmoil to start working on a hydroelectric project on the Rio San Juan river. However, just a few months into his stay, Linder was gunned down by a group of contras - a rebel group backed by the United States government - while he was working on a small dam. The murder sent shockwaves across the American community and brought into question the US government's support for the contras, who were known for committing war crimes and human rights abuses.

The episode features interviews with Linder's family and friends, including his father and sister, who are still grappling with the loss of their loved one. They recount Linder's passion for renewable energy and his dedication to improving the lives of Nicaraguan communities through his work on the hydroelectric project.

The Frontline team also speaks to Nicaraguan locals who were working with Linder, some of whom were witness to the murder. They provide a chilling firsthand account of the events leading up to the murder, describing how the contras had been hostile towards Linder and his team and how they had warned them of possible danger. However, Linder, who was often seen as too optimistic and idealistic, had refused to leave the project, believing that the contras would not attack him due to his American citizenship.

The show takes a deep dive into the US government's involvement with the contras and the political climate at the time of Linder's murder. It examines the Reagan administration's push to contain leftist movements in Central America and its decision to funnel money and arms to the contras despite their human rights violations. It also delves into the US media's portrayal of Nicaragua and its government, which played a role in shaping public opinion and support for the Reagan administration's policies.

Through archival footage and interviews with journalists who covered the conflict, the episode reveals how the media's depiction of Nicaragua as a communist threat and the contras as the defenders of democracy contributed to the US government's ability to continue funding the rebel group despite their actions.

Ultimately, Murder on the Rio San Juan is a powerful reflection on the consequences of US foreign policy and how it affected the lives of people in Central America. The episode leaves viewers with important questions about the US government's role in supporting rebel groups and the long-lasting impact of such actions on local communities.