Nicaragua's Crackdown on Catholic Church Continues: Second Bishop Arrested
In a continued assault on the Catholic Church and opposition figures, Nicaraguan authorities have arrested a second bishop, escalating the crackdown under President Ortega's regime
Nicaraguan authorities arrested a second bishop on Thursday as part of a widespread crackdown on opposition figures and the Catholic Church by President Daniel Ortega's government. Bishop Isidoro Mora, from the Siuna church on the Caribbean coast, was detained after participating in a mass to commemorate the anniversary of the Matagalpa church, sources confirmed.
CNN has contacted the Nicaraguan government to request more information about Mora's legal situation and arrest. According to a source, they had witnessed the events leading up to the arrest and mentioned that Mora briefly referred to the detained bishop and government critic Rolando Álvarez during a 10-minute homily.
The source quoted Mora as saying "we are here praying for Matagalpa church, praying for bishop Rolando."
The source added, "Unfortunately, (Mora) was arrested the next day."
Bishop Álvarez of Matagalpa has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for charges of conspiracy and treason, stemming from his refusal to leave the country with 200 other government opponents. A source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, informed CNN that there is uncertainty about the condition of Moras since his arrest.
According to another source who spoke to CNN, the persecution of the church in Nicaragua is severe. They stated, "We remain silent because speaking out leads to threats. The world is aware of our suffering, but we continue to endure the pain."
Since 2018, tens of thousands of Nicaraguans have fled their country to escape persecution. This followed a government crackdown on widespread anti-regime protests by the Ortega administration, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people, injuries to thousands, and arbitrary detention of many, as reported by Human Rights Watch.
During the protests, demonstrators and their families often sought shelter from attacks by government supporters inside the country's churches and cathedrals.
The authoritarian government of Nicaragua, headed by Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, has since regarded the Catholic church as opposition forces and denounced the protests as an "attempted coup."
Moras's arrest occurred several months following the expulsion of two Costa Rican nuns from Nicaragua in April. They had been expelled after praying for Ãlvarez. According to Yader Morazán, an expert in Nicaragua's judicial system and a former public servant in the country, this is indicative of a repressive trend against the Catholic church.
"They have arrested dozens of priests and laymen and have prevented the return of over 200 individuals, including priests and nuns," Morazán stated.
According to a news release from the state-owned website El19digital on Monday, 11 individuals affiliated with Christian organizations have been detained on charges of money laundering.
Ortega secured his fifth term as president in 2021 and shortly after, his administration invoked a broad national security statute to detain opposition presidential contenders, leaders, journalists, and human rights advocates in the lead-up to the elections in June.
