Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Date of Detainment: December/28/2023

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

Fernando Calero

Extra Bio Info:

Fernando Calero was detained for his religious leadership role.

On December 28, 2023, police arrested Calero, parish priest of Our Lady of Fátima in Rancho Grande, Matagalpa, after he reportedly mentioned the wrongfully imprisoned Bishop Rolando Álvarez during mass. Calero's arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.

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

Related Cases: Silvio FonsecaHéctor TreminioCarlos AvilésMarcos Díaz PradoMykel MonterreyRaúl ZamoraGerardo RodríguezMiguel MánticaJader HernándezErvin López

Additional Name(s): Monseñor Carlos Avilés

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Date of Detainment: December/28/2023

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

Carlos Avilés

Extra Bio Info:

Carlos Avilés was detained for his religious leadership role.

On December 28, 2023, police arrested Avilés, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Managua and priest of Cristo de las Colinas Parish, under unclear circumstances. His arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua. Avilés had been critical of the Nicaraguan government in years prior, including its religious freedom record.

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

Related Cases: Silvio FonsecaHéctor TreminioFernando CaleroMarcos Díaz PradoMykel MonterreyRaúl ZamoraGerardo RodríguezMiguel MánticaJader HernándezErvin López

Additional Name(s): Father Héctor Treminio Vega

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Date of Detainment: December/28/2023

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

Héctor Treminio

Extra Bio Info:

Héctor Treminio was detained for his religious leadership role.

On December 28, 2023, police arrested Treminio, parish priest of the Santo Cristo de Esquipulas Church in Managua and treasurer of the Archdiocese of Managua, under unclear circumstances. His arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua. In 2020, Treminio criticized the wealth of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's family in a homily.

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

Related Cases: Silvio FonsecaCarlos AvilésFernando CaleroMarcos Díaz PradoMykel MonterreyRaúl ZamoraGerardo RodríguezMiguel MánticaJader HernándezErvin López