EU criticizes Nicaragua on rights, harassment of activist
MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) — The European Parliament is urging Nicaragua to improve protections for human rights activists and cease what it calls harassment of an opponent to the country's proposed interoceanic canal.
An EU resolution demands that Nicaragua's government comply with international obligations on the rights of indigenous peoples and respect democratic values such as the separation of powers.
It specifically mentions the case of anti-canal activist Francisca Ramirez, saying she was detained and intimidated when she tried to file a complaint about attacks against her and her family.
Nicaraguan human rights prosecutor Adolfo Jarquin dismissed Thursday's resolution as part of an alleged disinformation campaign by activists and government opponents.
Jarquin said human rights "are a reality and are improving in Nicaragua" and complained of "distorted" information aimed at having an international impact.
