Nicaragua files money laundering charges against opponent

Prosecutors in Nicaragua have formally lodged money laundering charges against journalist Cristiana Chamorro, daughter of a former president and a potential challenger to President Daniel Ortega

MANAGUA, Nicaragua -- Prosecutors in Nicaragua said Tuesday they have formally lodged money laundering charges against journalist Cristiana Chamorro, daughter of a former president and a potential challenger to President Daniel Ortega. In the latest attempt to eliminate potential challengers to Ortega in the Nov. 7 elections, prosecutors asked the country's electoral tribunal to bar Chamorro from running or holding public office. Candidates have to register for the elections by Aug. 2. In late May, national police raided the offices of the Violeta Barrios de Chamorro Foundation for Reconciliation and Democracy, the nongovernmental group named after her mother and led by Chamorro until recently. They also raided the offices of the independent news outlet run by her brother Carlos Fernando Chamorro. Cristiana Chamorro said later, “This is another act by the dictatorship against the people of Nicaragua, freedom of expression, human rights and public liberties."