Over 50 religious figures, including 43 priests, have been forcibly expelled from Nicaragua by the government of Daniel Ortega following protests against his regime in 2018, as reported by an NGO.
Since 2023, the Nicaraguan government has carried out multiple expulsions targeting Catholic Church members, with more than 50 religious figures, including 43 priests, being forced out of the country and around 200 prevented from entering, according to the NGO Colectivo Nicaragua Nunca Más, which operates from Costa Rica.
Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, have accused the Church of supporting the 2018 protests, which resulted in over 300 deaths, per the UN, and they view it as an attempted coup sponsored by Washington.
The regime has detained at least 74 religious figures arbitrarily and stripped nationality from 35 of them since then. This persecution against the Church is being deemed as crimes against humanity, with an alarming level of control and repression affecting both Catholic and evangelical faiths.
Despite international calls for religious freedom, the Nicaraguan government continues its relentless persecution of religious institutions and individuals, creating a dire situation which the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has stepped in to address by issuing protective measures for government critics and opposition members who have mysteriously disappeared following their imprisonment.
Nicaraguan Government’s Ongoing Crackdown on Religious Figures: Unveiling New Realities
The expulsion of religious figures in Nicaragua by the government of Daniel Ortega has taken a new turn, with recent reports shedding light on additional disturbing facts not previously highlighted. As the situation unfolds, vital questions arise, such as:
1. What are the underlying reasons for the Nicaraguan government’s intensified crackdown on religious figures in recent years?
2. Are there specific legal implications or justifications presented by the government to support their actions?
3. How has the international community responded to these blatant violations of religious freedom in Nicaragua?
Recent developments have brought to light that in addition to the forced expulsions and detentions of religious figures, the Nicaraguan government has also implemented stringent regulations on religious institutions’ activities and expressions. This has led to a significant curbing of religious freedom and expression within the country, sparking concerns among human rights organizations and advocates.
Advantages of the Nicaraguan government’s actions may include consolidating political control and silencing dissenting voices, which could contribute to maintaining stability from the government’s perspective. However, the disadvantages are far-reaching and severe, encompassing gross violations of fundamental human rights, including freedom of religion, expression, and association.
Key challenges associated with this crackdown on freedom of religion include the erosion of democracy and civil liberties, escalation of social unrest, and international condemnation, fueling diplomatic tensions. Controversies arise regarding the government’s motives and the moral implications of its persistent targeting of religious figures, which raises concerns about the underlying principles guiding governance in Nicaragua.
Amid these challenges and controversies, the urgent need for accountability and advocacy for religious freedom in Nicaragua becomes paramount. Addressing the root causes of the crackdown, ensuring international scrutiny and pressure, and supporting affected religious communities are crucial steps toward safeguarding human rights and upholding democratic values in the country.
For more insights and updates on the situation in Nicaragua, visit United Nations or explore reports by organizations like Amnesty International.
