Nicaragua moves toward allowing life prison sentences

MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Nicaragua’s National Assembly took a first vote Tuesday to approve a constitutional reform that would allow sentences of life in prison for some crimes.

The law now limits sentences to 30 years. But the proposal would allow life sentences for serious crimes that include elements of hate, could be considered cruel, degrading and humiliating, and “cause commotion, rejection, indignation, repulsion in the national community.”

The change has raised concern among opposition groups because President Daniel Ortega has used such language to describe actions by his rivals.

The measure was passed with 70 votes in favour from the ruling Sandinista Front and 15 against from opposition politicians. There were three abstentions.

As a constitutional reform, it will require a second vote, likely to be held in January.

Sandinista lawmaker Carlos Emilio López said life sentences would help protect women, children and the elderly from those seeking to commit horrendous crimes against them.