Switzerland slaps sanctions on top Nicaragua officials
Rodrigo Navarrete, the only relative in Nicaragua of political prisoner Jaime Navarrete, shows a poster with the photo of his relative during an interview in Managua, Nicaragua, 10 June 2020. Navarrete and the April Victims Association (AVA) alleged that the Nicaraguan government has used the COVID-19 crisis to wage "biological warfare" against promoters and followers of the 2018 anti-government uprising.
Keystone / Carlos Herrera
Switzerland is joining the European Union in imposing sanctions on Nicaragua in response to ongoing violations against human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The Swiss government issued a statement on Wednesday urging authorities in Nicaragua to uphold national and international laws on human rights, especially those on freedom of expression and assembly.
“These sanctions are not directed against the people of Nicaragua,” the Federal Council noted.
The financial and travel sanctions target six individuals with close ties to Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega. Two of them are personal advisors to the president and the other four are high ranking members of the judiciary and police force implicated in serious human rights violations.
Assets affected by the freeze must be reported to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. The measures came into force at 6pm on June 24.
Bern called on Managua to implement genuine general reform, respect the fundamental rights of citizens, and abide by two agreements made with the opposition in 2019.
“Switzerland is prepared to support efforts to find a peaceful solution to this socio-political conflict,” the government said.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.