The Council of the European Union (EU) announced this Tuesday that the sanctions applied by that bloc against political operators and institutions of the dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo have been extended for another year, given that the political and social crisis of the Central American country remains the same or worse.
In a statement, published on the official website of the EU, the Council announces its decision to extend until October 15, 2025, the “restrictive measures” imposed against 21 officials, including the vice-dictator Rosario. Murillo, and three entities of the dictatorial regime of Nicaragua.
‘Designated persons are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds available to them. Natural persons are also subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories,” the official note recalls.
The European Union applied sanctions for the first time against the political operators of the dictatorship in October 2019 “to address the deterioration of the political and social situation in Nicaragua, after the Council had repeatedly expressed its concern about the continued deterioration of human rights.” human rights, democracy and the rule of law in the country.
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These measures are reviewed by the Council of the EU every year to consider whether they should be suspended if the situation that motivated their application has improved or whether they should be extended as has happened over the last five years with Nicaragua, given that the violations of human rights and repression persist and have even worsened.
In the statement, the EU insists on its call for “fundamental freedoms to be restored in Nicaragua, all remaining political prisoners to be released and international human rights organizations to be restored.”
Likewise, the bloc of European countries highlights the need to end restrictions on civic space and respect the right to dissent.
«The EU reaffirms its permanent commitment to the Nicaraguan people and to the defense of democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The current political crisis in Nicaragua must be resolved through genuine dialogue between the government and the opposition,” the statement concludes.
For the political scientist and opposition leader banished by the dictatorship Felix Maradiaga The extension of the sanctions against the dictatorships, approved by the EU, is a sign that this bloc supports the struggle of the people of Nicaragua.
“The decision of the European Union to extend sanctions against the Ortega regime is a firm support for the fight for democracy in Nicaragua and a clear message: those responsible for the repression will not escape justice,” said the opponent.
The political scientist points out that “the sanctions further isolate the regime, prohibiting its accomplices from traveling to Europe, which strengthens international pressure to end human rights abuses.”
