US imposes sanctions on Ortega’s presidential inauguration day

The United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Nicaraguan officials hours before dictator Daniel Ortega begins a new term.

“In concert with democracies in the international community, the United States will continue to call out the Ortega-Murillo regime’s ongoing abuses and will deploy diplomatic and economic tools to support the restoration of democracy and respect for human rights in Nicaragua,” said Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a press statement.

The Department of State will impose visa restrictions on 116 individuals who have undermined democracy in Nicaragua. The restrictions target mayors, prosecutors, university administrators, as well as police and military officials.

“We are undertaking these economic sanctions and visa restrictions to promote accountability for the Ortega-Murillo regime’s escalating authoritarianism and abuses,” said Blinken.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned six members of the Ortega regime. “This action targets officials of the Nicaraguan military, the Nicaraguan minister of defense, the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Mail (TELCOR), and the state-owned Nicaraguan Mining Company (ENIMINAS).”

The sanctions imposed “are issued to encourage a positive change of behavior by the identified persons and the authoritarian regime they support,” said the Department of Treasury.

The EU also blacklisted seven Nicaraguans and three corporations. Additionally, it set travel bans and froze the assets for the family members of Ortega and vice president Rosario Murillo.

"Those targeted are responsible for serious human rights violations, including repression of civil society, supporting the fraudulent presidential and parliamentary elections, and undermining democracy and the rule of law," the EU said in a statement.

On Monday, Ortega will inaugurate himself for a new presidential term. Cuban dictator Miguel Diaz-Canel traveled to Nicaragua in take part of the event.

The November elections have been described as a “sham,” after Ortega was re-elected for a fourth consecutive term without any challengers. Most of his opposition was sent to jail and the government cracked down on the media that reported on the issue.  

Election observers from the European Union and the Organization of American States were barred from entering Nicaragua and overseeing the election process.

“The pre-determined election he staged on November 7 does not provide him with a new democratic mandate; only free and fair elections can do that. The Nicaraguan people deserve nothing less,” said Blinken.

“The Ortega-Murillo regime continues its subjugation of democracy through effectuating sham elections, silencing peaceful opposition, and holding hundreds of people as political prisoners,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The United States and our partners are sending a clear message to President Ortega, Vice President Murillo, and their inner circle that we continue to stand with the Nicaraguan people in their calls for the immediate release of these political prisoners and a return to democracy.”