A resolution showing the European Parliament’s solidarity with the Nicaraguan people and calling on Daniel Ortega’s government to put an end to the persecution of dissidents and human rights defenders was adopted by MEPs (560 in favour, 12 against, 43 abstentions) on Thursday 19 December in Strasbourg.
This text, presented by the EPP, S&D, Renew Europe, Greens/EFA and the ECR group, demands in particular the dismantling of the paramilitary forces operating in the country, the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained and the dropping of charges against them.
This is particularly true in the case of Amaya Eva Coppens, the text states. This young Belgian woman, one of the leading figures of student protest, has been imprisoned in Managua since September 2018.
MEPs also expect the Nicaraguan authorities to resume dialogue with the Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy and to guarantee adequate reparation to victims.
Suspension of the Association Agreement The EU, for its part, is urged to remain mobilised: MEPs call for a Parliament delegation to be sent to Nicaragua as soon as possible and urge the Commission to ensure that its cooperation aid does not contribute to the government’s repressive policies.
Furthermore, Parliament welcomes the EU Council’s decision to adopt the framework for targeted restrictive measures against those responsible for human rights violations (see EUROPE 12348/3). However, they call on the Member States to agree quickly on the list of persons to be sanctioned, including the President of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega, and the Vice-President, his wife Rosario Murillo.
Under the 2012 Association Agreement between the EU and the countries of Central America, Nicaragua is obliged to ensure respect for the rule of law, democracy and human rights. In view of the current situation, MEPs call for the activation of the democracy clause provided for in the text. Such a decision would suspend Nicaragua’s participation in the Association Agreement.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, considered that the situation in Nicaragua was unsustainable and remained a matter of serious concern. “Only the Nicaraguan people can choose their leaders and representatives, through a free and fair election, in accordance with international standards”, he told the deputies.
See the text of the resolution: http://bit.ly/35FmbSL (Original version in French by Agathe Cherki – intern)