Nicaragua Not Taking Steps to Combat Corruption, Protect Civil Rights, State Department Says

The State Department certified that Nicaragua is not taking steps to combat corruption, protect civil rights and hold fair elections, which could lead to additional U.S. sanctions, according to a notice. Under the Nicaragua Human Rights and Anticorruption Act of 2018, the U.S. may impose or sustain asset-freezing measures and other penalties after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo certifies that Nicaragua is not taking “effective steps” to stop corruption and other activities.