Imposition of sanctions with respect to the Ortega administration’s abuses against the Catholic Church, political prisoners, and support for the invasion of Ukraine

(a) Expansion of activities triggering targeted sanctions Section 5(b) of the Nicaraguan Investment Conditionality Act of 2018 (Public Law 115–335; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: (5) The arrest or prosecution of a person, including a person who is a member of or an officer of the Catholic Church, because of the legitimate exercise by such person of the freedom of religion. (6) The conviction and sentencing of a person who is a member of an opposition party or independent civil society organization under politically motivated charges. (7) Gross violations of the internationally recognized human rights of prisoners. (8) Acts of providing significant goods, services, or technology to or expressing support for the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation that began on February 24, 2022.. (b) Modification of targeted sanctions prioritization Section 5(b)(2)(B) of the Reinforcing Nicaragua’s Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021 (Public Law 117–54; 50 U.S.C. 1701 note) is amended— (1) by redesignating clauses (viii) and (ix) as clauses (ix) and (x), respectively; and (2) by inserting after clause (vii) the following new clause (viii): (viii) Officials of the Instituto de Previsión Social Militar (IPSM), commonly known as the Military Institute of Social Security of Nicaragua..