In a disturbing turn of events, a Catholic bishop in Nicaragua has been arrested by the police for expressing solidarity with another bishop who was found guilty of treason. Isidoro Mora, the bishop of the diocese of Siuna, was taken away by the authorities after he had told his congregation about the unity of Nicaragua’s bishops in prayer for Rolando Álvarez. This arrest is part of a broader crackdown on the Catholic Church and anyone who speaks out against the government of President Daniel Ortega.
The tension between the Ortega regime and the Catholic Church dates back to 2018 when clerics provided shelter to students during mass protests against the government. Since then, the government has targeted religious orders, priests, and lay people associated with the Church. In August, the legal status of the Jesuit religious community was canceled, and all their property was confiscated. The Jesuit-run Central American University also had their assets seized. These actions reflect the government’s increasing control over religious organizations and their attempts to stifle dissent.
Not only has the Catholic Church faced repression, but other sectors of society have also been targeted by the Ortega government. The organizer of the Miss Nicaragua beauty pageant recently resigned after being charged with treason. Additionally, dozens of non-governmental organizations have been forcibly shut down, further restricting civil liberties and freedom of expression in the country.
The arrest of Bishop Mora is a flagrant violation of religious freedom and an attack on the Catholic Church’s ability to express solidarity and support for one another. The government’s actions reflect its intolerance towards any form of opposition and its determination to silence dissenting voices. By targeting religious figures, the Ortega regime seeks to undermine the influence and credibility of the Church, which has historically been an influential institution in Nicaragua. This crackdown also raises concerns about the government’s commitment to human rights and its willingness to suppress basic civil liberties.
The arrest of Bishop Mora should be a wake-up call for the international community to pay closer attention to the deteriorating situation in Nicaragua. It is crucial for governments, human rights organizations, and individuals to condemn this violation of religious freedom and call for the immediate release of Bishop Mora and all other detained religious figures. The continued persecution of the Catholic Church and other sectors of society demonstrates the urgent need for international pressure to hold the Ortega government accountable for its actions and protect the fundamental rights of the Nicaraguan people.
As concerned individuals, we must stay informed about the situation in Nicaragua and raise awareness about the government’s repression. By sharing news articles, signing petitions, and amplifying the voices of those affected, we can help shine a spotlight on the injustices committed and put pressure on the Nicaraguan government to respect human rights and democratic principles.
In conclusion, the arrest of Bishop Mora in Nicaragua is an alarming development that highlights the government’s ongoing crackdown on the Catholic Church. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of defending religious freedom and promoting human rights globally. We must not remain silent in the face of such oppression and seek to support those who are courageously standing up for their beliefs and the rights of their fellow citizens in Nicaragua.
