U.S., EU issue Nicaragua sanctions on Ortega's inauguration day

Deputies of new parliament, participate in the inaugural ceremony of the National Assembly, ahead of Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega's swearing-in ceremony after being re-elected for a fourth consecutive term, at the National Assambly building in Managua, Nicaragua January 9, 2022. REUTERS/Stringer

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on Nicaraguan officials, including the defense minister, in coordinated action with the European Union following an election that Brussels and Washington have denounced as rigged in favor of President Daniel Ortega.

Monday's action, the latest sanctions targeting Nicaragua that Washington has coordinated with allies, aims to increase pressure on Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, and marks the inauguration day.