EU Extends Sanctions Against Nicaraguan Officials Amid Human Rights Concerns

The European Union has extended sanctions against 21 Nicaraguan officials, including Vice President Rosario Murillo and her family. The sanctions freeze assets and prevent travel through the EU, targeting entities like the national police. The EU calls for the release of political prisoners and restoration of freedoms.

The European Union announced on Tuesday the extension of sanctions for another year against 21 Nicaraguan officials, notably including Rosario Murillo, the country's vice president and the wife of President Daniel Ortega, along with three of their children. As part of these measures, the sanctioned Nicaraguan officials are prohibited from traveling through EU countries, and any assets maintained within European banks are slated for freezing, according to an EU statement.

Additionally, three Nicaraguan entities—the national police, the supreme electoral council, and the telecommunications institute—face similar sanctions, barring EU citizens and companies from financially engaging with them. Despite the move, Rosario Murillo, who also serves as the government's spokesperson, has not provided any comment on the situation.

The EU initially imposed sanctions on the Ortega regime in 2019, citing apparent human rights abuses during the crackdown on anti-government protests in 2018 that resulted in over 300 deaths. The EU has reiterated its appeal for the release of political prisoners and the reinstatement of certain liberties, amidst reports of approximately 70 detained individuals labeled as political prisoners by civil groups, while recalling that Ortega's government has previously dismissed such prisoners as "mercenaries."

(With inputs from agencies.)