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

Extra Bio Info:

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

Sources:
  • Photo attributed to ADF International and Mountain Gateway Order, Inc.