Cape Times E-dition

EU sanctions Ortega’s wife

THE EU imposed sanctions yesterday on Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s wife Rosario Murillo, who is his vice-president, as well as one of his sons and six more officials.

The measures expand a previous sanctions list to a total of 14 individuals held “responsible for serious human rights violations in Nicaragua and/or whose actions undermined democracy or the rule of law” over ongoing repression in the country.

“The detention of a seventh potential presidential candidate last weekend sadly illustrates the magnitude of the repression in Nicaragua and projects a grim picture for the upcoming elections,” the European Council said.

The sanctions prohibit travel and transit in the EU for those targeted, a freeze on any EU-based assets and a ban on EU businesses or citizens from doing business with them.

Ortega, 75, is expected to run for re-election in November 7 polls.

After a first stint as president between 1984 and 1990, he returned to power in 2007 and has stayed in office ever since.

WORLD

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2021-08-03T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-08-03T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://capetimes.pressreader.com/article/281676847955508

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