The United States announces travel bans affecting more than 100 Nicaraguan officials and their family members, citing human rights concerns and punishment of the current government. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the measures are part of a broader campaign tied to abuses in Nicaragua.
The announcement links the sanctions, in part, to the death last month of imprisoned activist Brooklyn Rivera. Rivera is described by multiple outlets as having criticized the policies of President Daniel Ortega and his wife and co-president, Rosario Murillo. The U.S. frames Rivera’s death as one factor in deciding to impose the new restrictions.
The reports indicate the U.S. action specifically takes the form of travel bans, limiting the targeted individuals’ ability to enter or travel to the United States. While the details of the individuals listed are not provided in the excerpts, all sources agree that the number targeted is over 100 and that the scope includes relatives as well as officials.
