In a recent development, a Republican congressman has called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken to address the wrongful imprisonment of a Catholic priest in Nicaragua. GOP Rep. Chris Smith expressed grave concerns about the state of religious freedom in Nicaragua and specifically inquired about the wellbeing of Bishop Rolando Álvarez Lagos. The international community has deemed his imprisonment unjust, and Smith is demanding answers regarding the Biden administration’s efforts to secure his release.
Bishop Álvarez was sentenced to over 26 years in prison earlier this year by a Nicaraguan court on charges of treason, after he refused to be exiled to the United States. Alongside several other priests and seminarians, he was arrested as the Nicaraguan government clashed with Catholic Church leaders who criticized the regime. Despite the option to join others in a prisoner exchange with the US State Department, Álvarez chose to remain in his country as a form of protest against the persecution of fellow Catholics.
Ortega, the President of Nicaragua, has accused Catholic leaders of plotting against him and has cited their involvement in mediating with protest groups following the 2018 demonstrations in the country that resulted in numerous deaths. This backdrop of oppression has prompted Pope Francis to compare Álvarez’s imprisonment to that under Hitler’s regime and label Ortega as “unstable.”
Rep. Chris Smith held a House hearing where testimonies were heard from Nicaraguan exiled prisoners of conscience and their relatives. Smith emphasized Álvarez’s innocence and highlighted his inspiring life and ministry of compassion, kindness, integrity, and selfless service. In his letter to Blinken, Smith posed 15 questions related to the Biden administration’s actions and urged immediate advocacy for Álvarez’s release.
The questions included inquiries about the State Department’s knowledge of Álvarez’s current location and wellbeing, whether a formal inquiry had been made to the Nicaraguan government, and whether any formal request for assistance had been received from the Vatican. Smith also sought information about economic ties with Nicaragua in light of the regime’s human rights abuses.
Smith stressed the need for swift action, emphasizing that the international community must not turn a blind eye to the plight of the Nicaraguan people, especially those of faith. The State Department has acknowledged the receipt of Smith’s letter but declined to comment on congressional correspondence. However, the department has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Álvarez and all other wrongfully detained individuals.
The situation surrounding Bishop Álvarez’s imprisonment highlights ongoing concerns about religious freedom and human rights abuses in Nicaragua. It also underscores the role of the United States in advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals who face persecution for their beliefs. As the international community continues to monitor this case, pressure mounts on the Biden administration to take decisive action in securing Álvarez’s release and addressing the broader issues of religious freedom in Nicaragua.
