EU slaps sanctions on Nicaraguan first lady, 7 others

BRUSSELS (AP) - The European Union on Monday slapped sanctions on Nicaraguan first lady and Vice-President Rosario Murillo and seven other senior officials accused of serious human rights violations or undermining democracy, amid a crackdown on opposition politicians in the Central American country.

EU headquarters said in a statement that the sanctions, which include asset freezes and bans on travel in Europe, 'œare targeted at individuals and are designed in this way not to harm the Nicaraguan population or the Nicaraguan economy.'ť

In the past two months, police in Nicaragua have arrested and detained more than 20 opposition figures and several candidates who might have been able to challenge President Daniel Ortega in elections on Nov. 7.

Ortega, 75, alleges the country's April 2018 street protests were part of an organized coup attempt with foreign backing. He is seeking a fourth consecutive term in the election. Most of those arrested in the crackdown are being held incommunicado, at undisclosed locations and with no access to lawyers.

The EU said the sanctions show that the 27-nation bloc stands 'œready to use all its instruments to support a democratic, peaceful, and negotiated solution to the political crisis in Nicaragua.'ť

It said that last week's detention of a seventh possible presidential election candidate 'œsadly illustrates the magnitude of the repression in Nicaragua and projects a grim picture for the upcoming elections.'ť

The latest move brings the total number of Nicaraguan officials subject to EU sanctions to 14.