Nicaragua Releases and Expels 19 Clergy Members, Including Bishop Alvarez, to Vatican

The release follows negotiations with the Vatican amid President Ortega's ongoing crackdown on the Catholic Church and opposition.

Nicaragua's government has released and expelled 19 clergy members, including Bishop Rolando Alvarez, to the Vatican. The clergy members had been detained as part of President Daniel Ortega's crackdown on the opposition and the Catholic Church.
Bishop Alvarez, a prominent critic of Ortega's regime, had been sentenced to 26 years in prison in February 2023. He had refused to be exiled to the U.S. last year and was subsequently sentenced to 26 years in prison for undermining the government, spreading false information and obstruction of functions and disobedience.
The release of the clergy members follows negotiations with the Vatican, with the Nicaraguan government expressing gratitude to Pope Francis for the 'very respectful and discreet coordination.'
Since 2018, Ortega's government has systematically silenced opposing voices and targeted the church, including confiscating the prestigious Jesuit-run University of Central America in August.
The U.S. State Department has designated Nicaragua a 'Country of Particular Concern' due to religious repression, adding it to a watch list that includes Cuba, North Korea, China and Iran.