Nicaragua: European Union Bishops' Commission calls for the release of condemned priests and laity
"Do not doubt that as COMECE we will do everything in our power with the European institutions for their release and to promote freedom, the rule of law, justice and democracy in your dear country."
Three priests, a deacon, two seminarians and a layman were sentenced to ten years in prison in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. On January 26, Judge Nadia Camila Tardencilla said they had undermined national integrity and spread false information to the detriment of the State and of Nicaraguan society. The trial of the Nicaraguan bishop Rolando Alvarez, critic of the government of President Daniel Ortega, accused of "conspiracy and spreading false news" has meanwhile been advanced to the 15 February.
In a letter written by its president, Bishop Hollerich, the Commission of the Episcopates of the European Union (COMECE) calls for the release of these Christians falsely accused of plotting against national integrity and spreading false news. In it, he explains their sadness and concern about “the situation in Nicaragua and the persecution to which our Church and some of its members in this country have been subjected in recent times.”
Bishop Hollerich denounces "the latest events, including the closure of Catholic radio stations, the blocking of access to churches by the police and other serious acts which disrupt religious freedom and the just social order, show the worsening of 'a situation that started years ago'.
COMECE President honors the Church of Nicaragua, "her fidelity to the message of Our Lord Jesus Christ and her devotion to the good of her neighbor is a living example and a model to follow in so many other situations of persecution which, unfortunately, are multiplying in various parts of the world".
"We join the voice that cries out for the injustice suffered by our brothers in Nicaragua and we demand their immediate release", he affirmed before adding, "do not doubt that as COMECE, we will do everything in our power with the European institutions for their liberation and to promote freedom, the rule of law, justice and democracy in your dear country".
MC
