EU puts sanctions on 8 more Nicaraguans, as presidential race takes shape

Oscar Sobalvarro, presidential candidate for the opposition party Alianza Ciudadanos por la Libertad (Citizens for Freedom) and his running mate for vice-president, Berenice Quezada, pose for a picture after registering as candidates for the November 7 general election at the Supreme Electoral Council (CSE) in Managua, Nicaragua August 2, 2021. REUTERS/Maynor Valenzuela NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Union said on Monday it has imposed sanctions on eight Nicaraguans for human rights violations or undermining democracy or the rule of law, including Rosario Murillo, the vice president and wife of President Daniel Ortega.

The step adds to growing international isolation of Ortega's government, which has been criticized for crackdowns against his opponents and critical media in the Central American country he has dominated since returning to power 15 years ago.