Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's regime is facing criticism for the continued detention of Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who has been held for over 500 days. The international community, including U.S. lawmakers and human rights organizations, is calling for Álvarez's immediate and unconditional release, citing the violation of religious freedom. Ortega's government is accused of harassing and unjustly imprisoning Álvarez, with the Catholic Church also being targeted. The situation has drawn condemnation from various quarters, with demands for the respect of religious rights and the release of the detained bishop.
Religious freedom in Nicaragua is still under siege by the Ortega dictatorship. Over a year has passed since Bishop Rolando Àlvarez's arrest on August 19, 2022; he remains on house arrest. We must maintain pressure on the Nicaraguan regime until all Nicaraguans can freely speak,…
500+ days since Bishop Álvarez was unjustly incarcerated by the Ortegas. My thoughts ⬇️ https://t.co/GxFWYbaPDU
Bishop Álvarez has been harassed & unjustly imprisoned by the Nicaraguan government for simply fulfilling his duties as a Catholic bishop Read on @thehill👇by @BayerPicciotti https://t.co/SNzJ7ydrtV
We call on the Nicaraguan regime to immediately and unconditionally release Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who has been unjustly detained for 500 days. Freedom of belief is a human right. Álvarez's continued detention is unconscionable.
Daniel Ortega has chosen to celebrate Christmas by deepening his attack on the Catholic Church in #Nicaragua. Despicable. I stand with the priests. They must be released immediately & without conditions. The right to freedom of religion must be respected. https://t.co/YvsvNG80Jv