US and EU announce new sanctions against Nicaraguan officials of the Daniel Ortega regime

The United States and the European Union (EU) announced, in a coordinated action, new sanctions against high-ranking officials of the Nicaraguan government, linked to the irregular elections in November, a few hours before Daniel Ortega is inaugurated as president for the fourth consecutive time.

The US Treasury Department said in a statement that it sanctioned several Nicaraguan officials, including the defense minister, for accusations of acts of state violence, misinformation and attacks on independent media.

The action also targeted personnel from the Army, the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and the Post Office, and the state-run Nicaraguan Company of Mines.

The EU blacklisted seven more people and three entities in the Central American nation in response to the November presidential elections that Brussels and Washington called a sham, bringing the number of people sanctioned by the community bloc to 21.

“The Ortega-Murillo regime continues to subjugate democracy by holding mock elections, silencing peaceful opposition and holding hundreds of people as political prisoners,” said US Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson.

“The United States and our partners are sending a clear message to President Ortega, Vice President (Rosario) Murillo, and their inner circle that we continue to support the Nicaraguan people in their calls for the immediate release of these political prisoners and a return to democracy.” added.

The EU detailed that new travel bans and asset freezes were imposed on Ortega’s family, including Murillo, as well as the police, the Supreme Electoral Council and the company that oversees postal and telecommunications services.