The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned this Wednesday three Nicaraguan judicial officials accused of being involved “in abuses against human rights committed by the regime of President Daniel Ortega.”
They are magistrates Ernesto Leonel Rodríguez Mejía, Octavio Ernesto Rothschuh Andino and judge Nadia Camila Tardencilla Rodríguez.
According to the US Treasury, on February 10, 2023, Judge Rothschuh Andino announced the decision of the court of deport 222 Nicaraguans, declaring them traitors to the homeland. These opponents were welcomed by Washington under a humanitarian parole for two years.
As for magistrate Ernesto Rodríguez, on February 15, 2023, he announced the court’s decision to strip another 94 Nicaraguan citizens of their nationality, declaring them traitors. The denationalized individuals were outspoken critics of the Ortega regime and included prominent journalists, human rights defenders, and members of the clergy.
Judge Camila Tardencilla issued a court order on February 10, 2023 that stripped Catholic Bishop Rolando José Álvarez of his Nicaraguan citizenship and convicted him of treason, undermining the integrity and national authority, aggravated obstruction, and spreading false news. .
Those involved in the sanctions have not made any statements on the subject at the moment.
The Secretary of State of the United States, Anthony Blinken, said that those sanctioned are directly responsible for the exile of the opponents.
“We will continue to use the diplomatic and economic tools available to promote accountability for the abuses of the Ortega-Murillo regime; we reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Bishop Álvarez and urge the restoration of civic space for the people of Nicaragua said Secretary Blinken.
Impact of sanctions
As a result of the sanctions, all property and interests in property of these individuals that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.
In addition, any entity that is owned, directly or indirectly, individually or jointly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons is also blocked.
“The Ortega regime continues to engage in anti-democratic actions that target the most vocal opposition figures in Nicaragua, including through its judicial system,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “The United States will continue to support the Nicaraguan people in their effort to restore democratic institutions,” he added.
Nicaragua celebrated 5 years of sociopolitical crisis on April 18 without a way out in sight, according to human rights organizations.
[Colaboró con este artículo el periodista de VOA Houston Castillo desde San José, Costa Rica]
Connect with the Voice of America! Subscribe to our channel Youtube and activate notifications, or follow us on social networks: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
