José Gustavo Sandino Ochoa

Additional Name(s): Gustavo Sandino Ochoa

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Date of Detainment: December/31/2023

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

José Gustavo Sandino Ochoa

Extra Bio Info:

José Gustavo Sandino Ochoa was detained for his religious leadership role.

On December 31, 2023, police reportedly arrested Sandino, parish priest of Our Lady of Sorrows parish in the Diocese of Jinotega, under unclear circumstances. His arrest comes amid a crackdown on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua.

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

Sandino reportedly suffers from unspecified health issues.

Sources:

"Bishop Álvarez freed in Nicaragua, exiled to Vatican" The Pillar
"Nicaragua: Secuestran a seminarista y sacerdote se exilia" 100% Noticias
"Dictatorship in Nicaragua closes out 2023 with 2 bishops and 15 priests in custody" Catholic News Agency (CNA)