EU Extends Sanctions Against Nicaraguan Officials Amid Controversy

The European Union has prolonged sanctions against 21 Nicaraguan officials, including Vice President Rosario Murillo, for an additional year. The measures include travel bans and asset freezes, targeting entities like the national police and telecoms institute. The EU demands the release of political prisoners and restoration of civil freedoms.

The European Union announced on Tuesday the extension of sanctions against 21 Nicaraguan officials for another year. High-profile figures like Rosario Murillo, the country's vice president and spouse of President Daniel Ortega, and three of their children, are among the sanctioned individuals.

These sanctions prevent the officials from traveling through EU territories and freeze any assets they possess in European financial institutions, as stated by the EU. Additional sanctions are imposed on significant Nicaraguan entities, including the national police, the top electoral council, and the telecoms institute, barring EU citizens and businesses from financing them.

The initial sanctions were introduced in 2019 following alleged human rights violations during anti-government protests, which resulted in over 300 fatalities. The EU is pressing for the release of approximately 70 political prisoners and the reinstatement of freedoms such as the right to dissent, highlighting ongoing tensions in Nicaragua.

(With inputs from agencies.)