NICARAGUA: A 50-page report about the persecution of Christians in Nicaragua
A report by European Center for Law & Justice
ECLJ (07.01.2025) – Since 2018, Nicaragua, under President Daniel Ortega, has been conducting a systematic campaign of repression against Christians, particularly Catholics, in retaliation for their peaceful opposition to the regime.
These actions include: physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, bans on religious demonstrations, the closure of churches, the confiscation of religious property, and the expulsion of clergy. More than 870 attacks against the Catholic Church have been recorded, while evangelical churches, initially spared, are now also being targeted.
This repression aims to silence critics of the regime and eradicate the spiritual influence of Christian churches in favour of a political ideology centred on the cult of the Sandinista regime.
According to UN human rights experts, some of these repressive actions can be classified as crimes against humanity. Such actions comprise: murder, torture, prolonged arbitrary detention in inhumane conditions, as well as deportations of members of the clergy and critical religious leaders. These crimes, characterized by their systematic nature and targeting of specific religious groups, aim to destroy any form of moral or social opposition to the regime.
Among the most emblematic cases is that of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, who was subjected to inhumane imprisonment and later stripped of his nationality. At the same time, the international community has condemned these actions, but the responses remain largely symbolic and insufficient to counter the regime’s impunity.
Although targeted sanctions have been imposed by the United States and the European Union, their impact remains limited, and the Ortega government continues to strengthen its strategic alliances with authoritarian powers such as Russia and China.
These alliances allow the regime to circumvent international pressure while consolidating its internal repression. In the face of these challenges, Nicaraguan Christians continue to resist, embodying one of the last critical voices in a country where civic space is now virtually closed.
Persecution is not limited to physical or institutional attacks: it also aims to erase spiritual traditions by banning religious processions and celebrations that are integral to local culture.
In this context, the urgency of mobilizing international efforts to support persecuted Christian communities is more crucial than ever. This includes increased protection for exiles and human rights defenders, as well as support for the reconstruction of destroyed religious and civic institutions.
Table of Content
I THE HISTORICAL ROLE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN NICARAGUA
The Catholic Church: Between Support and Opposition to Sandinismo
The Catholic Church: The Last Critical Voice of Ortega’s Regime
II THE VIOLATIONS OF THE RIGHTS OF CHRISTIANS
Physical Attacks, Harassment and Threats
Incitement to Discrimination, Hostility and Violence Against the Church
Arbitrary Detention of Clergy Members
Violation of the Freedom of Conscience and Religion
Violation of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Violation of the Right to Freedom of Assembly and Association
Imprisonment and Expulsion of Clergy Members
Denial of Nationality
Entry Bans to Nicaragua
Confiscation of Church Property
Christians in Nicaragua as Victims of Crimes Against Humanity, According to UN Experts
III WEAKENING OF THE RULE OF LAW AND CONCENTRATION OF POWERS
IV THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY’S INSUFFICIENT RESPONSES
Nicaragua on U.S. State Department’s List of Countries of Particular Concerns
UN Condemnations Without Coercive Sanctions
The International Alliances Protecting Nicaragua
The Issue of Relations with Russia
Nicaragua Breaks Ties with Taiwan to Strengthen Relations with China
V RECOMMENDATIONS
VI THE LAW APPLICABLE TO THE CRIMES OF ORTEGA’S REGIME
The Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion
The Right to Freedom of Expression and Opinion
The Right to Freedom of Assembly and Association
The Right to Liberty and Security
The Right to Nationality
The Right to Freedom of Freedom and Residence
The Right to Property
Further reading about FORB in Nicaragua on HRWF website