Electoral period in Nicaragua, uncertain due to arrests 3:43
(CNN) -
The European Union imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans, including First Lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo, for undermining democracy and violating the rule of law, the bloc said in a statement on Monday.
The sanctions are directed at politicians and senior officials for their "political use of the judicial system [and] exclusion of candidates from elections."
"The Council has imposed restrictive measures on eight more people responsible for serious human rights violations in Nicaragua and / or whose actions undermined democracy or the rule of law, including Vice President Rosario Murillo," the statement read.
The United States imposes sanctions on Ortega officials after more arrests of opponents in Nicaragua
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"Designated are subject to an asset freeze and European Union citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds available to them. They are also subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting the Union territories. European ”, continues the statement.
Ahead of the November general elections, the government of President Daniel Ortega detained more than two dozen people, including presidential candidates, opposition leaders, students and activists.
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Many of those detained have been arrested and charged with alleged "national security violations," which human rights groups say is a clear sign that Ortega is trying to crush any competition before the next election.
The European Union said that the sanctions show that the bloc is "ready to use all its instruments to support a democratic, peaceful and negotiated solution to the political crisis in Nicaragua."
The European Council has announced sanctions for a total of 14 politicians and officials in Nicaragua.
Crisis in Nicaragua by Rosario Murillo
