Additional Name(s): Monsignor Marcos Díaz Prado

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

Marcos Díaz Prado

Extra Bio Info:

Marcos Díaz Prado was detained for his religious leadership role.

On December 28, 2023, authorities arrested Díaz Prado, vicar of the Santo Tomás Apóstol church of Puerto de Corinto in Chinandega, under unclear circumstances. Díaz Prado's arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.

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

Related Cases: Silvio FonsecaHéctor TreminioCarlos AvilésFernando CaleroMykel MonterreyRaúl ZamoraGerardo RodríguezMiguel MánticaJader HernándezErvin López

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

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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