Daniel Ortega's dictatorship in Nicaragua hinders Christians' traditions during the Holy Week. At least 21 individuals were taken into custody for disobeying the prohibition on publicly commemorating the Easter holidays' rites imposed by the authorities in Managua.
Holy Week in Nicaragua
Nova News reported that Masaya, located south of Managua, had the most accidents. At least five persons were arrested in this area, and the police attacked eight Catholic churches. Amid a rise in tensions towards the Catholic Church, which has been accused of supporting its opponents, Ortega's administration has forbidden the public staging of the usual Easter processions.
According to the Catholic News Agency, one brought into detention was journalist Victor Ticay, who was arrested by the authorities on Holy Thursday after live-streaming a Holy Week event on social media.
Nicaragua has become one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Catholic clergy, and the current situation within the Church is exceedingly concerning. Recently, Félix Maradiaga, a former political prisoner, Nicaragua president, and the Foundation for Freedom founder, warned that the administration intends to quiet the Church, the pastoral voice of which opposed the Ortega-Murillo pair's aspirations to establish a dynastic tyranny.
Moreover, many believe that two of Ortega's elections were compromised, even though he has been in power for the past 15 years.
Also Read:Nicaraguan Government Bans Traditions for Holy Week
Church Members that Left Nicaragua
As per the Saint John Paul II Catholic Radio, on Tuesday, Apr. 11, the Trappist nuns of Nicaragua stated that the government had verbally notified the bishop of Juigalpa that the dictatorship would take over the monastery. The sisters had been serving in the country for 22 years before their departure in February,
In a message published on Facebook on Feb. 27, the nuns explained that they had left the nation voluntarily because of "reasons the order has," an absence of vocations, and the "old age of several sisters." "We had left the monastery under the diocese's administration while the voluntary closure of the association was being processed with MIGOB [Ministry of the Interior]," they added.
As mentioned, the General Directorate for Migration and Foreigners released summonses to several different religious leaders and foreign missionaries. However, they did not mention their residency status in Nicaragua. In addition, new restrictions are being imposed on religious groups to allow them to continue living in the country.
On the other hand, National Catholic Register reported that Maradiaga demanded the release of Bishop Rolando Alvarez after pointing out that the dictatorship uses around 20,000 police officers to repress a population of 6.6 million people and that 9% of the population has fled the nation in the past four years. "His sacrifice, inspired by the Spirit of God, keeps alive our fight for his freedom and that of the other 36 people still being held by the dictatorship," he added.
Maradiaga urged Catholics around the globe to show their support for the Catholic Church in Nicaragua, which is currently under attack.
Furthermore, marches and other demonstrations have been planned in several locations across the United States for this coming weekend. The following days will call for Nicaragua's freedom and Bishop Alvarez's release.
Related Article: Víctor Ticay Arrested For Reporting During Holy Week in Nicaragua; Organizations Demand His Release
