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U.S. Sanctions Nicaraguan Official for Human Rights Abuses

4/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 18, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Nicaraguan Vice Minister Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa for alleged human rights abuses, barring him and his family from U.S. entry.
This designation follows Nicaragua's violent crackdown on anti-government protests in April 2018, which resulted in over 300 deaths.
U.N. human rights experts have linked Cañas Novoa to discriminatory treatment of political prisoners.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent condemned the ongoing repression by the Murillo-Ortega regime.
The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Nicaragua due to risks of wrongful detention and limited healthcare.

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Story summary

On April 18, 2026, Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Nicaraguan Vice Minister Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa for alleged human rights abuses, barring him and his family from U.S. entry.
This designation follows Nicaragua's violent crackdown on anti-government protests in April 2018, which resulted in over 300 deaths.
U.N. human rights experts have linked Cañas Novoa to discriminatory treatment of political prisoners.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent condemned the ongoing repression by the Murillo-Ortega regime.
The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Nicaragua due to risks of wrongful detention and limited healthcare.