Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Date of Detainment: December/20/2023

Date of Release: January/14/2024

Current Status: Released

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

Alester Sáenz

Extra Bio Info:

Alester Sáenz was detained for his religious leadership role.

On December 20, 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Sáenz, a seminarian, alongside Bishop Isidro Mora after the bishop reportedly offered prayers for the wrongly imprisoned Bishop Rolando Álvarez during mass. Sáenz's arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.

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

Related cases: Rolando Álvarez, Isidro Mora, Tony Palacios

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