U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Women in FoRB: Making a Difference
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
1:30-3:30 pm ET
*LOCATION CHANGE*
South Congressional Meeting Room (CVC 217)
Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) hosted Women in FoRB: Making a Difference, an event highlighting the crucial roles women play in promoting the freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) abroad.
Many women face compound persecution and distinctive barriers due to their gender and religious beliefs or nonbeliefs. While too many women are victims, many also are champions, proactively demonstrating resilience, courage, ingenuity, and wisdom. After opening remarks, there will be a conversation on women combatting antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred. Following the conversation, there will be a moderated panel of civil society leaders focusing on strategies women have developed and actions they have taken in communities worldwide to challenge persecution, tear down barriers, and support freedom of religion or belief.
Opening Remarks
Pre-Recorded Remarks
A Conversation on Women Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Muslim Hate
Moderator
Panelists
Panel: Women in Action in their Communities
Moderator
Panelists
Submitted for the Record
Statement from Empower Women Media
Statement from Canadian Yazidi Association
Statement from Soraya M. Deen
Statement from Hulda Fahmi
This event is open to Members of Congress, congressional staff, the public, and the media. Register here to attend in person. This event will be livestreamed on USCIRF’s website and YouTube channel. For any additional questions, please contact [email protected].
Gender: Female
Perpetrator: Nicaragua
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Sentence: 15 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: December//2023
Date of Sentencing: March/19/2024
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Association Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role
Nature of Charges: Embezzlement & Fraud
Marisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz is imprisoned for her religious affiliation and religious leadership role.
In December 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Ruiz, a pastor with the Puerta de la Montaña Ministry, on dubious "money laundering charges" amid a crackdown on religious communities.
On March 19, 2024, the Fifth District Criminal Court sentenced Ruiz to 15 years in prison. Ruiz was also fined $80 million.
Related cases: Marcos Sergio Hernández Jirón, Harry Lening Rios Bravo, Manuel de Jesús Ríos Flores, José Luis Orozco Urrutia, Álvaro Daniel Escobar Cabrera, Juan Carlos Chavarría Zapata, Juan Luis Moncada, Orvin Alexis Moncada Castellano, César Facundo Burgalin Miranda, Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Nicaragua
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Sentence: 15 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: December//2024
Date of Sentencing: March/19/2024
Current Status: Not Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Association Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role
Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa is imprisoned for his religious affiliation and religious leadership role.
In December 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Ochoa, a pastor with the Puerta de la Montaña Ministry, on dubious "money laundering charges" amid a crackdown on religious communities.
On March 19, 2024, the Fifth District Criminal Court sentenced Ochoa to 15 years in prison. Ochoa was also fined $80 million.
Related cases: Marcos Sergio Hernández Jirón, Harry Lening Rios Bravo, Manuel de Jesús Ríos Flores, José Luis Orozco Urrutia, Álvaro Daniel Escobar Cabrera, Juan Carlos Chavarría Zapata, Juan Luis Moncada, Orvin Alexis Moncada Castellano, César Facundo Burgalin Miranda, Marisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz