US Slaps Financial Sanctions on Nicaraguan Judges Involved in Human Rights Abuses
The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed financial sanctions on three Nicaraguan judicial officials accused of perpetuating human rights abuses and oppression under the regime of President Daniel Ortega.
Background
The sanctioned individuals, including judges and presiding magistrates from Managua’s District Court of Appeals, Second District Trial Court, and First Criminal Appeals Court, have been involved in stripping citizenship from over 300 Nicaraguans. The courts have declared many of these individuals “traitors to the state” and sentenced them to prison terms.
Sanctions Announced
The sanctions were announced by Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson, who said that the US will continue to support Nicaragua’s people in their quest to restore democratic institutions.
Sanctioned Individuals
- Ernesto Leonel Rodriguez Mejia, a presiding magistrate of Managua’s District Court of Appeals, was designated for his role in denationalizing 94 Nicaraguans, including journalists, human rights defenders, and clergy.
- Nadia Camila Tardencilla Rodriguez, a judge in the Second District Trial Court, issued a judicial order stripping Catholic Bishop Rolando Jose Alvarez Lagos of his citizenship and convicting him of treason.
- Octavio Ernesto Rothschuh Andino, an elected president magistrate of Managua’s Court of Appeals, announced the court’s decision to deport 222 Nicaraguans, declaring them “traitors to the nation”.
Effect of Sanctions
The sanctions prohibit US persons or entities from engaging in any transactions with these individuals and their property, which is blocked and must be reported to OFAC. The ultimate goal of these sanctions is to bring about a positive change in behavior and restore democracy in Nicaragua.
What You Need to Know
- For more information on the individuals designated today, click here.
- The sanctions are intended to support Nicaragua’s people in their quest for democratic institutions.
- The US will continue to monitor the situation and take further action as necessary.