Police broke into the headquarters of the Diocese of Matagalpa and arrested Bishop Rolando Alvarez and others, authorities said in a statement issued to social media.
The statement did not specify the reason for the arrest, but said it was part of an investigation into “destabilizing and provocative” activities in the country that began on August 5. A subsequent police statement added that all were taken to the capital Managua for a “legal investigation”.
Hours later, Nicaraguan Vice President Rosario Murillo said in a speech that police had restored order in Matagalpa and that the bishop’s arrest was “necessary.” Meanwhile, the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights condemned the arrests and called for the “immediate release” of the detainees.
Nicaragua’s authoritarian government, led by President Daniel Ortega and his wife Murillo, has tightened its grip on the country since massive anti-government demonstrations in 2018. – Government forces in country churches and cathedrals.
The bishops of the Synod of Bishops of the time convened governments and various sectors of society to participate as mediators in a national dialogue in an attempt to find a peaceful solution to political disputes.
More than 190 non-governmental organizations have been closed as of mid-June under another law that considers internationally funded organizations to be “foreign agents.”
Police launched an investigation into the parish after Alvarez opposed the closure of Catholic radio stations in the area. During sermons and on his social media accounts, he urged prayer and dialogue in the country, saying he didn’t know why he was being investigated.
Bishop Alvarez is currently under house arrest in Managua, while other religious officials are being taken to the city’s Legal Aid Department, according to a police statement.
Police also said Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes, Archbishop of Managua, was allowed to visit Alvarez and “they spoke extensively.”
The Archdiocese of Managua did not respond to CNN’s request for comment.
The Holy See has previously expressed concern about the situation in the Central American country. During his special session of the OAS on August 11, Vatican Permanent Observer Msgr focused on the situation in Nicaragua, Juan Antonio Cruz Serrano said that the country’s political parties should be “based on respect and mutual trust. Above all, find a way to seek and understand the common good and peace.”
Source: www.cnn.com
