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Canada Imposes Sanctions on Nine Nicaraguan Officials Over Human Rights Abuses

Background

The Government of Canada has taken a strong stance against human rights abuses in Nicaragua by imposing sanctions on nine officials, including members of President Daniel Ortega’s regime and individuals responsible for the brutal suppression of mass public protests in 2018.

Motivation

The move is aimed at putting pressure on the Ortega government to change its behavior and respect human rights. The sanctions are a response to gross and systematic human rights violations committed by government forces and government-sponsored civil forces during the protests.

Violations

The protesters, who were demanding social and economic reforms, were met with brutal force, resulting in:

  • Extrajudicial killings
  • Arbitrary detention
  • Other human rights abuses

Despite recent dialogue between the government and opposition groups, no accountability has been held for these violations, and restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly continue to be enforced.

Sanctioned Individuals

The following individuals have been sanctioned by Canada:

  • IAZ Madriz
  • Nestor MONCADA Lau
  • Laureano Facundo ORTEGA Murillo

Consequences

Under the sanctions:

  • Canadian businesses will be prohibited from engaging in transactions with these individuals
  • Financial institutions will be required to add their names to their monitoring systems
  • Fines of up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to one year will be imposed on anyone who willfully contravenes the regulations

Response

“We are taking this step to ensure that Canada is holding accountable those responsible for human rights abuses in Nicaragua,” said Sébastien Sigouin, Director at Global Affairs Canada. “We urge the Ortega government to respect human rights and engage in meaningful dialogue with opposition groups.”

International Support

Canada’s sanctions align with similar measures taken by the United States in response to human rights violations in Nicaragua.

Contact Information

For more information, please contact:

Sébastien Sigouin Director, Central America, Cuba and Dominican Republic Global Affairs Canada 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2 Email: sebastien.sigouin@international.gc.ca