The police of Nicaragua are preventing Bishop Rolando Alvarez of Matagalpa from leaving his home, on orders of President Daniel Ortega. The religious figure is accused of inciting violence and “acts of hatred” towards Ortega’s government.
The bishop had criticized the government’s closing of five catholic radio stations and this act prompted the police to station at his residence. He and many other residents cannot leave their home or attend mass at the nearby cathedral, as barriers have been planted to prevent them from moving freely.
Prior to this detention, Ortega’s First Lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo spoke in regards to the bishop stating, “ sins against spirituality” and “the exhibition of hate” while making comments referencing opposers. Bishop Rolando Alvarez came outside to pray in the streets on Thursday, August 4th, following his confinement, with an outstretched crucifix. He held an online mass from home the next day.
A congressional leader for Daniel Ortega’s Sandinista National Liberation Front party allegedly claimed Álvarez used the state media to “again incite violence and disorder.” Navarro is accusing Alvarez of conspiring in a failed presidential coup in 2018. As stated by Navarro, leaders of the church are “caves of delinquents and murderers” that Alvarez is “transforming church again into bases where they stockpile weapons and plan violence.”
The comments from Murillo and Navarro set the groundwork for investigations against the bishop and the many priests that reside within the clergy house.
A day after the homely confinement, Alvarez said he and other constrained members of the church “have happiness in our hearts, interior strength and peace for our life.”
Since the start of Ortega’s ruling, Nicaraguan authorities have been tasked with detaining political opponents and anyone who dares to criticize the presidency. More than 150 opponents have been apprehended thus far.
There are no formal accusations averse to the bishop as of yet, but the police are carrying out investigations in hopes of building a proper case against Alvarez.