U.S. restricts visas of 100 Nicaraguans affiliated with government

FILE PHOTO: A woman walks by a mural depicting Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega in Managua, Nicaragua June 21, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Monday imposed visa restrictions on 100 Nicaraguans affiliated with the Nicaraguan National Assembly and judicial system, increasing pressure on the government of President Daniel Ortega as Washington warned of further action.

Scores of prominent Nicaraguans, including six who planned to challenge Ortega's bid for a fourth consecutive term in office, have been arrested in recent weeks. Many have fled abroad.