The European Parliament adopted a resolution on repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular.
The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Green/EA groups.
The European Parliament strongly condemned the systematic human rights violations committed by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, including the persecution of human rights defenders, opposition figures, and religious leaders, particularly from the Catholic Church. It denounced the mass dissolution of NGOs, the exile and statelessness imposed on political opponents, and the arbitrary arrests of clergy, including Bishop Rolando Álvarez.
The resolution urged the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained individuals, the restoration of fundamental freedoms, and the reversal of the 2025 constitutional reform consolidating totalitarian rule. It urged the EU to include specific guarantees of human rights compliance when allocating EU funds, including through multilateral and financial institutions.
Parliament also called on the EU to reinforce its regular dialogue with civil society organisations, including those in exile, to support their vital work, as well as countries receiving migrants fleeing Nicaragua, such as Costa Rica.
Additionally, it called on Member States to investigate the regime for crimes against humanity, expand the list of sanctioned individuals to include Ortega, Murillo, and their inner circle, and trigger the democratic clause of the EU Association Agreement.
Lastly, the resolution called for the immediate extradition of Alessio Casimirri to Italy.