Additional Name(s): Gustavo Sandino Ochoa
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Nicaragua
Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic
Date of Detainment: December/31/2023
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
José Gustavo Sandino Ochoa
Extra Bio Info:
José Gustavo Sandino Ochoa was detained for his religious leadership role.
On December 31, 2023, police reportedly arrested Sandino, parish priest of Our Lady of Sorrows parish in the Diocese of Jinotega, under unclear circumstances. His arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.
On January 14, 2024, Sandino was released from prison and exiled to the Vatican.
Sandino reportedly suffers from unspecified health issues.
Sources:
- "Bishop Álvarez freed in Nicaragua, exiled to Vatican" The Pillar
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"Nicaragua: Secuestran a seminarista y sacerdote se exilia" 100% Noticias
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"Dictatorship in Nicaragua closes out 2023 with 2 bishops and 15 priests in custody" Catholic News Agency (CNA)
Additional Name(s): Monsignor Ismael Serrano
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
Ismael Serrano
Extra Bio Info:
Ismael Serrano was detained for his religious leadership role.
On December 30, 2023, police arrested Serrano, parish priest of San Miguel Arcángel, Las Brisas, under unclear circumstances. His arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.
On January 14, 2024, Serrano was released from prison and exiled to the Vatican.
Serrano reportedly suffers from unspecified health issues.
Sources:
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
Jader Hernández
Extra Bio Info:
Jader Hernández was detained for his religious leadership role.
On or around December 29, 2023, police arrested Hernández, parish priest of the Madre del Divino Pastor parish in Nejapa, Carretera Vieja a León, under unclear circumstances. His arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.
On January 14, 2024, Hernández was released from prison and exiled to the Vatican.
Related Cases: Silvio Fonseca, Héctor Treminio, Carlos Avilés, Fernando Calero, Marcos Díaz Prado, Mykel Monterrey, Raúl Zamora, Gerardo Rodríguez, Miguel Mántica, Ervin López
Sources:
- "Bishop Álvarez freed in Nicaragua, exiled to Vatican" The Pillar
-
"Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo's regime puts priests in the crosshairs at Christmas" El Pais
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"Dictadura ejecuta gran redada “Navidad negra” contra sacerdotes" Confidencial
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"Dictadura sandinista secuestra a Monseñores Miguel Mántica, Silvio Fonseca y tres sacerdotes más" 100% Noticias