US imposes sanctions on Nicaragua's First Lady, Vice President

The United States of America (USA) has imposed financial sanctions on Nicaragua's Vice President and First Lady Rosario Maria Murillo De Ortega, and Nestor Moncada Lau, who, they claim, acted as a national security advisor to both President Daniel Ortega and the Vice President.

The Department of State issued an official statement, outlining that the Executive Order (EO) signed by US President Donald Trump counters the "worst abuses" of the Ortega regime, "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," the statement highlighted.

The statement, issued by the office of Heather Nauert, the Spokesperson of the Department of State, further called on members from the ruling party in Nicaragua to "change" their ways.

"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," the US underscored.

The statement warned that the complicit may face consequences. "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," it added.