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U.S. Sanctions Nicaraguan Official for Human Rights Violations

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Nicaraguan Vice Minister of the Interior Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa for human rights violations tied to the 2018 protests.
Sanctions under Section 7031(c) bar Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa and his family from entering the U.S.
The State Department also sanctioned individuals tied to the Ortega-Murillo regime's gold sector, citing money laundering and power consolidation.
The United States remains tough on authoritarian regimes.

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Story summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Nicaraguan Vice Minister of the Interior Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa for human rights violations tied to the 2018 protests.
Sanctions under Section 7031(c) bar Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa and his family from entering the U.S.
The State Department also sanctioned individuals tied to the Ortega-Murillo regime's gold sector, citing money laundering and power consolidation.
The United States remains tough on authoritarian regimes.