Nicaragua has witnessed the arrest of a second bishop as part of an ongoing government crackdown on the Catholic Church. Bishop Isidoro Mora was taken into custody by police after expressing solidarity with fellow bishop Rolando Ălvarez, who received a 26-year prison sentence for criticizing the government led by President Daniel Ortega. The arrest is the latest in a series of actions targeting the Catholic Church in Nicaragua, where authorities have jailed and expelled clerics for speaking out against the government.
President Daniel Ortega and Vice-President Rosario Murillo have been accused of suppressing dissent, with the Catholic Church becoming a focal point of government scrutiny. Clerics critical of the Ortega regime have faced imprisonment and expulsion, contributing to strained relations between the government and the Church.
The Rt Rev Rolando Ălvarez, serving as the bishop of Matagalpa, declined exile following the deportation of 222 opposition figures to the US in February. Subsequently, he received a 26-year prison sentence on charges of treason, undermining national integrity, and spreading false news. The bishop’s refusal to leave Nicaragua unless instructed by the Pope led to his harsh sentencing, a move criticized by human rights advocates.
Bishop Isidoro Mora, who heads the diocese of Siuna, was arrested after mentioning Bishop Ălvarez during a homily at Matagalpa’s cathedral. In his sermon, Bishop Mora conveyed the unity of Nicaragua’s Episcopal Conference in praying for Bishop Ălvarez. It is believed that this expression of solidarity prompted the arrest of Bishop Mora, signaling the government’s continued crackdown on dissent within the Catholic Church.
Since the mass anti-government protests in 2018, during which clerics provided sanctuary to students, the Catholic Church has been at odds with the Ortega government. The authorities have targeted religious orders, priests, and laypeople associated with the Church. In August, the Jesuit religious community lost its legal status, and its assets were confiscated. The Jesuit-run Central American University faced a similar fate earlier the same month.
The government’s actions extend beyond religious institutions, as seen in the recent resignation of the Miss Nicaragua beauty pageant organizer, facing charges of treason. Additionally, numerous non-governmental organizations have been forcibly shut down by authorities, reflecting a broader crackdown on dissenting voices.
The arrest of Bishop Isidoro Mora adds to the growing tensions between the Nicaraguan government and the Catholic Church. As the government continues its crackdown on dissenting voices, the situation raises concerns about the state of religious freedom and human rights in Nicaragua. The international community closely watches developments, urging a resolution that respects fundamental rights and freedoms.
