Nicaragua
Nicaragua has specific counterterrorism laws. The revised definition of terrorism in the Criminal Code has been widely criticized for its breadth, potentially capturing those engaged in protests against the government.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
Article 394 of the Criminal Code defines terrorism as follows:
Anyone acting at the service or collaboration with bands, organizations or armed groups, using explosives, toxic substances, weapons, fires, flood, or any other act of mass destruction, who performs acts against persons, goods, public services and means of transport, such as means to produce alarm, fear or terror in the population, in a group or sector of it, to alter the constitutional order, or seriously alter the public order or cause panic in the country.
The vagueness and potential breadth of the definition has been criticized by many civil society organizations, as well as by the United Nations. The revision in 2018 is argued to be directed at anti-government protests.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Nicaragua is a State Party to all of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State Party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State Party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | State Party |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | State Party |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | State Party |
Nicaragua is also a State Party to the main regional treaty on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 2002 Inter-American Convention against Terrorism | State Party |
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
The Criminal Code provides for prison terms of fifteen to twenty years for the perpetration of terrorist crimes.Art. 394, Criminal Code of Nicaragua.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
Nicaragua's national police force is responsible for counterterrorism operations.
Glossary
Twitter