Jun 7, 2023

USCIRF Releases Report on Religious Freedom Violations Against Indigenous Communities in Latin America

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) today released the following new report:

Religious Freedom Violations Against Indigenous Communities in Latin America – This comprehensive report features three crosscutting research areas that illuminate the religious freedom challenges facing indigenous communities in Latin America. First, the report analyzes the international mechanisms intended to protect indigenous peoples’ religious freedom, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. It identifies Latin American states that have adopted these declarations and provides an assessment of their adherence to their obligations. Second, it documents domestic legal measures related to the protection of indigenous peoples’ right to manifest their religion, as well as an assessment of how states are upholding these rights. Lastly, the report provides detailed information about recent religious freedom violations against indigenous communities and individuals, including discrimination in public institutions, prevention of rituals, verbal abuse, and violent attacks.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Date of Detainment: May/23/2023

Date of Release: October/18/2023

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Religious Activity Religious Belief Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Treason & Sedition

Jaime Iván Montesinos Sauceda

Extra Bio Info:

Jaime Iván Montesinos Sauceda was detained in relation to criticism of religious freedom conditions.

On May 23, 2023, police arrested Montesinos Sauceda, the parish priest of San Juan Pablo II in Matagalpa. Montesinos Sauceda is reportedly charged with treason and committing acts to undermine Nicaragua's independence and integrity. His arrest came amid a crackdown on the Roman Catholic Church and its leaders for their criticism of the government's policies, human rights record, and religious freedom conditions. 

On October 18, 2023, Montesinos Sauceda was released from prison and exiled to the Vatican.

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Additional Name(s): شهدخت خانجانی

Gender: Female

Perpetrator: Iran

Religion or Belief: Bahá`í

Date of Detainment: May/29/2023

Date of Release: June//2023

Current Status: Released

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Belief

Nature of Charges: Banned Organization Illegal Assembly Public Disorder Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials

Shahdokht Khanjani

Extra Bio Info:

Shahdokht Khanjani was detained in relation to her religious belief or activity.

On May 29, 2023, authorities arrested Khanjani at her residence in Samnan in relation to her being a Baha'i. The authorities also searched Khanjani's residence and confiscated personal items belonging to her and her family.

In June 2023, Khanjani was reportedly released from prison.

In September 2023, it was reported that Khanjani was sentenced to 16 years in prison on multiple charges, including ten years for forming a group with the intent to disrupt security, five years for assembly and collusion, and one year for propaganda against the regime. 

In January 2024, the Semnan Court of Appeal partially upheld Khanjani's sentence. The court sentenced her to ten years in prison for “forming groups to act against national security” and one year in prison for “propaganda against the regime." It also dropped her sentence for "propagating the Baha'i sect" originally handed down in September. Additionally, it annulled a fine and a 15-year deprivation of social rights. Khanjani is expected to serve ten years in prison as the sentences run concurrently.

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