Brussels, 11/06/2021 (Agence Europe) – In a statement on 10 June, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated “the European Union firmly condemns the actions of the Nicaraguan authorities against opposition parties, media, journalists and other media workers, human rights defenders and civil society, including the systematic detention and arrest of potential presidential candidates and opposition leaders”. Calling for the release of several political figures, he warns the Ortega regime that the EU is ready to use “all instruments at its disposal, including the adoption of new sanctions”. Six Nicaraguan officials are currently subject to EU restrictive measures until October 2021 (see EUROPE 12579/36). (MB)