The European Union extends sanctions against Rosario Murillo and three Nicaraguan entities until 2027

FILE: The measures target Rosario Murillo, her children Laureano, Camila and Juan Carlos Ortega Murillo, and former state officials. /(EFE/Stringer) The European Union extended until October 15, 2027 the sanctions against 21 individuals and three entities linked to the regime of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, reported Despacho 505. The measures include Murillo herself, her children Laureano, Camila and Juan Carlos Ortega Murillo, and state institutions singled out for their participation in the repression of the opposition. According to Despacho 505, the decision was adopted on Friday, October 9, by the Council of the European Union and maintains pressure on Ortega and Murillo's political and family circle, as well as on officials and institutions accused of responsibility for serious human rights violations, the dismantling of democratic institutions, and the persecution of opponents. Among those sanctioned are also the regime's former economic adviser Bayardo Arce Castaño, currently a political prisoner, and Alba Luz Ramos Vanegas, former president of the Supreme Court of Justice. The list also includes high-ranking police officials and officials linked to the Nicaraguan government's repressive apparatus, according to information published by Despacho 505. The sanctions include the freezing of assets and economic resources under European jurisdiction. Individuals on the list are also barred from entering or transiting through European Union countries. Citizens and companies of the bloc are prohibited from providing them with funds or making economic resources available to them. FILE: The European restrictions are selective, targeting specific officials and entities, without constituting an embargo on the population. /(EFE/EPA/RONALD WITTEK) The Nicaraguan outlet explained that the measures are selective and directed against specific individuals and entities, and therefore do not constitute a general economic embargo against the population of Nicaragua. The European Union maintains that the restrictions aim to respond to political repression, human rights violations, and the deterioration of the rule of law. Brussels reiterated its demand to release political prisoners, restore fundamental freedoms, and allow the return of international human rights mechanisms to Nicaragua. It also called for dialogue between the government and the opposition to agree on electoral reforms that would allow a democratic, peaceful, and negotiated exit from the crisis. The renewal of the sanctions comes after Ortega and Murillo pushed through new constitutional reforms. Despacho 505 reported that those changes extended the terms of officials and eliminated the elections scheduled for 2027, deepening the concentration of power in the hands of the ruling couple. The European decision coincides with new diplomatic pressure from the Organization of American States (OAS). On October 2, an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers approved a resolution demanding that Nicaragua hold free, fair, and inclusive elections, release political prisoners without conditions, restore the separation of powers, and disclose the whereabouts of disappeared persons. The European Union demands the release of political prisoners and the restoration of fundamental freedoms in Nicaragua. /(Illustrative image Infobae) The resolution also demands the restoration of nationality to Nicaraguans stripped of it and establishes a ministerial follow-up group to promote contacts with the government and the opposition. The mechanism must present recommendations within 90 days. Nicaragua did not participate in the OAS meeting because it formally left the organization in November 2023. International pressure continues as the regime restricts opposition participation, controls state institutions, and faces questions over the situation of political prisoners, exiles, and people stripped of their nationality. The European Union established its sanctions regime in October 2019, following the repression of the protests that began in April 2018. Since then, member states have reviewed the measures every year. With the new extension, the restrictions will remain in force until October 2027.