EU sanctions Nicaragua’s first lady and vice-president over human rights violations

Seven other senior officials accused of serious human rights violations or undermining democracy

The European Union has slapped sanctions on Nicaragua's first lady and Vice-President Rosario Murillo and seven other senior officials accused of serious human rights violations or undermining democracy, amid a sweeping crackdown on opposition politicians in the Central American country.

EU headquarters said in a statement that the sanctions, which include asset freezes and bans on travel in Europe, are targeted at individuals and are designed in this way not to harm the Nicaraguan population or the Nicaraguan economy".