Press Releases: The United States Sanctions Two Close Associates of Nicaraguan President Ortega
Media Note
Today, President Trump signed an Executive Order (E.O.) designed to counter the worst abuses of the Ortega regime in Nicaragua, including its dismantling of democratic institutions and serious human rights violations and abuses. The E.O. is a new U.S. tool to expose and promote accountability of those responsible for the abuses taking place in Nicaragua, in support of the people of Nicaragua in their continued calls for democracy and rule of law. This action sends a clear signal that the United States will not tolerate the exploitation of the people and public resources of Nicaragua for private gain.
Pursuant to the E.O., the United States imposed financial sanctions on Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s closest associates, namely the Vice President of Nicaragua, Rosario Maria Murillo De Ortega (Murillo), and Nestor Moncada Lau (Moncada), who has acted as a national security advisor to Nicaragua’s President and Vice President.
Now is the time for those within the ruling party to change their ways and for the private sector to make their voices heard in support of democratic reforms and an end to violence. Attacks and threats against peaceful protestors and the general population violate the human rights of the Nicaraguan people, and must cease. Those who remain silent or are otherwise complicit may face significant consequences as all officials of the Government of Nicaragua and private sector actors who continue to aid and abet the Ortega regime’s repression could be subject to the sanctions outlined in the Executive Order.
For further information, please see the Department of the Treasury’s press release available here.