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.
Employees in Switzerland increasingly stressed at work
This content was published on
The proportion of people in Switzerland who are stressed at work has increased by 5% over ten years, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
This content was published on
F/A-18 fighter jets will practice take offs and landings on the A1 motorway between Payerne and Avenches in canton Vaud on June 5.
Swisscom finalises financing for Vodafone Italia takeover
This content was published on
Telecoms group Swisscom has taken the next step in its takeover of Vodafone Italia and secured financing for the deal, the company said on Thursday.
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.