Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Nicaragua
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Date of Detainment: December//2023
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Association Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role
Nature of Charges: Embezzlement & Fraud
Marcos Sergio Hernández Jirón is detained for his religious affiliation and religious leadership role.
In December 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Jirón, a pastor with the Puerta de la Montaña Ministry, amid a crackdown on religious communities. Jirón remains detained on dubious "money laundering charges."
Related cases: Harry Lening Rios Bravo, Manuel de Jesús Ríos Flores, José Luis Orozco Urrutia, Álvaro Daniel Escobar Caldera, Juan Carlos Chavarría Zapata, Juan Luis Moncada, Orvin Alexis Moncada Castellano, César Facundo Burgalin Miranda, Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa, Marisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz
USCIRF Chair Thomas J. Reese, S.J. testified at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing: "Freedom of Belief: Countering Religious Violence."
View the recording here.
USCIRF Commissioner Tenzin Dorjee testified at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing: "Tibet: Freedom of Religion."
View the recording here.