The United States announced economic sanctions against Nicaragua’s Vice-President and First Lady, Rosario Murillo and President Ortega’s National Security Adviser, Nestor Moncada Lau, for “engaging in rampant corruption, dismantling of democratic institutions, serious human rights abuse, and exploitation of the people and public resources of Nicaragua for private gain”, states the press release.

The US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said the measures were taken following an Executive Order by President Donald Trump that declares Nicaragua’s crisis a national emergency . The crisis in Nicaragua began with protests on April 18,2018, Ortega’s Government has responded violently to the protests “ dismantling and undermining of democratic institutions and the rule of law, using indiscriminate violence and repressive tactics against civilians”.

“Vice-President Murillo and her political operators have systematically sought to dismantle democratic institutions and loot the wealth of Nicaragua to consolidate their grip on power. This Administration is committed to holding the Ortega regime accountable for the violent protests and widespread corruption that have led to the deaths of hundreds of innocent Nicaraguans and destroyed their economy,” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. “Treasury is intent on ensuring that Ortega Regime insiders are not able to access the U.S. financial system to profit at the expense of the Nicaraguan people.”

“As a result of today’s actions, any property or interests in property of those designated by OFAC, within or transiting U.S. jurisdiction or the possession or control of a U.S. person must be blocked and reported to OFAC. OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of the designated persons, including entities 50 percent or more owned by designated persons. Further details on these designations are included below”.

Rosario Murillo has been the de facto co-president of Nicaragua since 2007, when President Daniel Ortega proclaimed he would share “50 percent of power” with her.

Nestor Moncada Lau “reportedly assumed a prominent role as Ortega and Murillo’s liaison and FSLN Secretariat power operator over multiple Nicaraguan government entities. Moncada disbursed payments to counter protesters on behalf of Ortega and Murillo and, through his various intelligence roles, worked to bribe and blackmail individuals to obtain their support or prevent them from voicing opposition to Ortega’s government. In addition, Moncada has engaged in acts of corruption on behalf of Ortega and Murillo. In at least one case, Moncada worked with President Ortega to cover up Ortega’s sexual conduct with a minor”.

The crisis in Nicaragua has left reportedly over 350 deaths and billions in economic losses.