NICARAGUA’S “right-wing coup plotters” have been condemned for trying to use anger over pension reforms to “generate violence” and overthrow President Daniel Ortega and the Sandinista government.

The European Committee of Solidarity with the Popular Sandinista Revolution released a statement late on Monday which denounced “interference by Nicaragua’s right-wing opposition and US imperialism” aimed at regime change.

The attempts to destabilise Nicaragua come from "the neoliberal governments, which are hegemonic, attack anyone who goes against them. For that reason the Ortega executive and the Sandinista National Liberation Front are attacked frontally today," the statement declared.

The group called for an end to the violence which has seen armed gangs set up roadblocks across the country causing damage to the economy.

Supporters of the Sandinista government have been targeted by right-wing opposition groups with photographs sent to the Star showing paint daubed outside their homes to identify them.

The committee said that protests against government pension reforms proposed in mid-April had been exploited to try to bring down the government and President Daniel Ortega.

The statement warned: "This is a new attempt from the right wing and US imperialism against a sovereign and independent free nation and against its democratically elected President Daniel Ortega.”

The committee, which consists of supporters from France, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Norway, United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland and Belgium, said the coup attempt was being promoted and amplified by the “powerful” opposition and corporate media “whose role has been fundamental in exacerbating tensions.”

The Sandinista government has reiterated its commitment to peace and urged the international community to support the National Dialogue which has the backing of Nicaraguan trade unions, the national student body and civil society groups.