Washington [US], November 17 (ANI/Sputnik): President Joe Biden on Tuesday proclaimed nearly all Nicaraguan officials, including President Daniel Ortega and his spouse, barred from entering the United States in response to alleged "repressive and abusive" acts by the Central American nation's government.

"I have determined that it is in the interest of the United States to restrict and suspend the entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of members of the Government of Nicaragua, led by President Daniel Ortega, including his spouse and Vice President Rosario Murillo, and others described in this proclamation who formulate, implement, or benefit from policies or actions that undermine or injure democratic institutions or impede the return to democracy in Nicaragua," Biden said in a proclamation.

Also Read | China: Scientists Find 18 More Mammalian Viruses in Wuhan Wet Markets.

In addition to this measure, Biden has extended the operation of the National Emergency Act with respect to Nicaragua, which was initially signed in 2018, due to the same reasons described in the proclamation.

Nicaragua held its presidential and parliamentary elections on November 7, with Ortega securing a fourth consecutive five-year term. Since early June, several dozen opposition politicians and activists have been arrested in Nicaragua on various charges, including seven presidential candidates. Critics of Ortega accuse him of having cracked down on opponents ahead of the elections. (ANI/Sputnik)

Also Read | China Overtakes United States As Richest Country In The World: Report.

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)