José Luis Díaz
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Nicaragua
Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic
Reports of Torture: No
Reports of Medical Neglect: No
Sentence: 10 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: August/4/2022
Date of Sentencing: February/3/2023
Date of Release: February/9/2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment
Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Human Rights Work for Religious Communities Religious Activity Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role
Nature of Charges: Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials Subversion
José Luis Díaz
Extra Bio Info:
José Luis Díaz was imprisoned in relation to criticism of religious freedom conditions.
On August 4, 2022, police prevented several people, including Luis Díaz, a priest, from leaving the residence of Bishop Rolando Álvarez as the bishop was on his way to perform mass at a local cathedral. Álvarez had criticized the government’s recent closure of several Catholic radio stations and its human rights record. Alvarez, Luis Díaz, and the other individuals in the residence remained under de facto house arrest as authorities investigated them for “organizing violent groups” and encouraging them “to carry out acts of hate against the population.”
On August 19, 2022, police detained Luis Díaz and sent him to the Evaristo Vásquez Sánchez Police Complex.
On October 4, 2022, it was revealed that Luis Díaz was charged with "conspiracy to undermine national integrity" and "propagation of false news."
On January 26, 2023, Luis Díaz was reportedly found guilty. Prosecutors reportedly requested 10 years in prison.
On February 3, 2023, a judge from the Second Criminal District Court of Trials of Managua sentenced Luis Díaz to 10 years in prison.
On February 9, 2023, Luis Díaz was released from prison and exiled to the United States.
Related Cases: Rolando Álvarez, Ramiro Tijerino, Sadiel Eugarrios, Raúl Antonio Vega, Darvin Leiva, Melkin Sequeira, Sergio Cárdenas
Sources:
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"Release of Political Prisoners from Nicaragua" Secretary Antony J. Blinken, U.S. Department of State
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"Estos son los presos políticos desterrados a EE. UU." La Prensa
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"Sentencian a diez años de cárcel a seis sacerdotes y un laico de Matagalpa" Confidencial
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"Régimen condena a 10 años de prisión a religiosos y laico de Matagalpa" La Prensa
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"Nicaragua's government ups Catholic persecution" Union of Catholic Asian News (UCA News)
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USCIRF Hearing: Crackdown on Religious Freedom in Nicaragua November 15, 2022
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"Régimen acusa a sacerdotes y laicos de Matagalpa de 'conspiración'" Confidencial
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"Bispo e padres continuam presos pela ditadura da Nicarágua" Aletia
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"El Chipote: La cárcel de torturas donde la dictadura de Nicaragua retiene a sacerdotes" Aciprensa
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"Roman Catholic leaders imprisoned" Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)
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"Catholics hope and pray for freedom of Bishop Alvarez in Nicaragua" Vatican News
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"Nicaraguan bishop arrested after two-week standoff at Matagalpa residence" The Guardian
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"Nicaraguan police detain bishop who criticized government" Los Angeles Times
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USCIRF Country Update: Religious Freedom in Nicaragua in 2022 August 11, 2022
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“Bishops in Nicaragua ‘close’ to Bishop Alvarez under house arrest” Vatican News
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“Nicaraguan police accuse bishop of inciting violence” Deutsche Welle (DW)
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“Nicaragua police investigating bishop critical of government” Associated Press (AP)