In a further escalation of its crackdown on opposition figures and the Catholic Church, the Nicaraguan government has arrested a second bishop, according to sources familiar with the situation. Bishop Isidoro Mora, of the Siuna church on the country's Caribbean coast, was detained by authorities after participating in a mass celebrating the anniversary of the Matagalpa church. The arrest comes as President Daniel Ortega's administration continues its far-reaching efforts to suppress dissent and undermine the Catholic Church's influence in Nicaragua.
Details regarding Bishop Mora's legal status and the circumstances of his arrest remain unclear as the Nicaraguan government has not provided any further information at this time. However, one source who witnessed the events leading up to the arrest revealed that Mora briefly mentioned the detained bishop and government critic, Rolando Álvarez, during a 10-minute homily. Sadly, Mora's arrest followed shortly thereafter, raising concerns about the targeting of religious leaders who voice dissent against the government.
Bishop Álvarez, from the diocese of Matagalpa, has already been serving a 26-year prison sentence on charges of conspiracy and treason. He refused to leave the country alongside 200 others who opposed the government, leading to his sentencing. The arrest of Bishop Mora, who referenced Álvarez in his prayers, highlights the intensification of the Nicaraguan government's efforts to stifle any opposition, particularly within the Catholic Church.
The condition of Bishop Mora since his arrest remains unknown, causing anxiety among those monitoring the situation. Another source revealed the prevalence of strong persecution against the church in Nicaragua, with many individuals preferring to remain silent due to potential threats and backlash from the government. Despite the suffering endured by these individuals, they acknowledge that the international community is aware of their plight.
Since 2018, when President Ortega's government violently suppressed anti-regime protests, resulting in multiple deaths, injuries, and arbitrary detentions, tens of thousands of Nicaraguans have fled the country in fear of persecution. Protests during that time often sought refuge within churches and cathedrals from attacks carried out by pro-government forces. President Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo identify the Catholic Church as opposition forces and denounce the protests as an "attempted coup," exacerbating the authorities' antagonism towards the religious institution.
The recent arrest of Bishop Mora follows the expulsion of two Costa Rican nuns from Nicaragua in April. They were also targeted after praying for Bishop Álvarez. These incidents are part of a broader repressive trend against the Catholic Church in the country. Yader Morazán, an expert on Nicaragua's judiciary system, noted that dozens of priests and laymen have been imprisoned, and over 200 individuals, including priests and nuns, have been expelled or prevented from returning to Nicaragua.
Adding to the government's tactics, a recent news release from state-owned website El19digital announced the arrest of 11 individuals linked to Christian organizations on charges of money laundering. These actions highlight the Nicaraguan authorities' increasing use of legal measures to suppress dissent and curtail the influence of religious institutions.
President Ortega secured his fifth term as president in 2021. Since then, his administration has used a vague national security law as a pretext to detain opposition candidates, leaders, journalists, and human rights activists ahead of the elections. The intensified crackdown on the Catholic Church and its leaders further demonstrates the government's determination to suppress any dissenting voices and consolidate its power.