Additional Name(s): Monseñor Miguel Mántica, Miguel Mántica Cuadras

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Date of Detainment: December/29/2023

Date of Release: January/14/2024

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Religious Activity Religious Belief Religious Expression Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role Religious Freedom Advocacy

Nature of Charges: Unknown

Miguel Mántica

Extra Bio Info:

Miguel Mántica was detained for his religious leadership role.

On or around December 29, 2023, police arrested Mántica, parish priest of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bolonia, Managua, under unclear circumstances. His arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua. Mántica had been critical of the Nicaraguan government, including its religious freedom record.

On January 14, 2024, Mántica was released from prison and exiled to the Vatican.

Related Cases: Silvio FonsecaHéctor TreminioCarlos AvilésFernando CaleroMarcos Díaz PradoMykel MonterreyRaúl ZamoraGerardo RodríguezJader HernándezErvin López

 

Additional Name(s): Gerardo José Rodríguez

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Date of Detainment: December/30/2023

Date of Release: January/14/2024

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Religious Activity Religious Belief Religious Expression Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role Religious Freedom Advocacy

Nature of Charges: Unknown

Gerardo Rodríguez

Extra Bio Info:

Gerardo Rodríguez was detained for his religious leadership role.

On or around December 30, 2023, police arrested Rodríguez, parish priest of Purísima Concepción church in Reparto Belmonte, Managua, under unclear circumstances. His arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.

On January 14, 2024, Rodríguez was released from prison and exiled to the Vatican.

Rodríguez reportedly suffers from diabetes.

Related Cases: Silvio FonsecaHéctor TreminioCarlos AvilésFernando CaleroMarcos Díaz PradoMykel MonterreyRaúl ZamoraMiguel MánticaJader HernándezErvin López

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Date of Detainment: December/29/2023

Date of Release: January/14/2024

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Religious Activity Religious Belief Religious Expression Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role Religious Freedom Advocacy

Nature of Charges: Unknown

Raúl Zamora

Extra Bio Info:

Raúl Zamora was detained for his religious leadership role.

On or around December 29, 2023, police arrested Zamora, parish priest of Jesús de la Divina Misericordia parish of the Archdiocese of Managua, under unclear circumstances. His arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.

On January 14, 2024, Zamora was released from prison and exiled to the Vatican.

Related Cases: Silvio FonsecaHéctor TreminioCarlos AvilésFernando CaleroMarcos Díaz PradoMykel MonterreyGerardo RodríguezMiguel MánticaJader HernándezErvin López