In a fresh move to crush dissidents, Daniel Ortega’s regime continues to attack the Church, following the closure of eight Catholic radio stations, the arrest of two priests, the expulsion of the Missionaries of Mother Teresa and the ongoing detention of Bishop Rolando Álvarez at the episcopal curia of Matagalpa.
Newsroom (17/08/2022 1:15 PM Gaudium Press) The Sandinista Regime of Nicaragua has been increasing its persecution against the freedom of the Catholic Church in recent weeks.
The latest attack is the detention of yet another priest. Óscar Danilo Benavídez Tinoco is the third priest detained by Nicaragua’s national police.
The Diocese of Siuna confirmed the arrest of Fr. Óscar Benavídez, pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Mulukukú, in the country’s north.
Human rights organizations reported that the priest was arrested while in his vehicle after celebrating Sunday Mass.
The reasons for the arrest are unknown. After disappearing for several hours, Fr Benavidez was found at the Managua Legal Aid office, more than 300 kilometres from the place of detention.
Last Friday, the government prevented the holding of the procession of Our Lady of Fatima.
In addition, the government decreed the closure of eight Catholic radio stations, the arrest of two priests, the expulsion of the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa of Calcutta and, more recently, the arrest of Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa at the episcopal curia. (FM)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
