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April 18, 2026
US Sanctions Nicaragua's Vice Minister for Human Rights Violations
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa for his involvement in gross human rights violations under President Daniel Ortega's government.
- The sanctions coincide with the anniversary of the 2018 protests, during which over 325 protesters were killed, highlighting ongoing repression in Nicaragua.
- This action is part of a broader U.S. strategy to hold the Ortega-Murillo regime accountable for its brutal crackdown on dissent.
2 Sources
- US sanctions Nicaragua vice minister over alleged human rights abusesApr 18, 2026 at 2:24 PM · Reuters
- Rubio targets Nicaraguan official over alleged torture tied to 'brutal' Ortega regimeApr 18, 2026 at 6:51 PM · Fox News