The dictatorship of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, through the Nicaraguan Institute of Telecommunications and Post Office (Telcor), ordered this August 1 the closure of five more stations that were in charge of the Diocese of Matagalpa, directed by Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, one of the bishops persecuted by the Nicaraguan regime.
The order was given by Nahima Janett Díaz Flores, general director of Telcor and daughter of the presidential in-law, police chief Francisco Díaz. Radio Hermanos, Radio Stereo Fatima, in Rancho Grande; Radio Our Lady of Lourdes, from La Dalia; Radio Alliens, from San Dionisio; and Radio Monte Carmel, from Río Blanco; were the five stations annihilated.
Related news: Dictatorship orders Telcor to eliminate the programming of Tv Merced of the Diocese of Matagalpa
According to the Diocese, the argument used for the closure of Radio Hermanos is that since January 30, 2003 it does not have a valid authorization title.
“However, we must communicate to the national and international community, that in a meeting held with engineer Orlando Castillo (RIP), executive president of Telcor at the time, our Bishop Monsignor Rolando José Álvarez personally presented documentation on June 7, 2016, according to the same regulations of Telcor requesting the current titles, of Radio Hermanos, Radio Santa Lucía, of Ciudad Darío, Radio Católica, of Sébaco, Radio Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, of La Dalia, Radio Nuestra Señora de Fátima, of Rancho Grande, Radio San José, from Matiguás; and Radio Monte Carmelo, from Río Blanco”, reads the letter published by the Diocese of Matagalpa.
Attack on religious freedom
This new attack adds to the closure of the Catholic Channel, TV Merced and other Catholic frequencies. The dictatorship also has two priests imprisoned, cases that experts consider to be riddled with political overtones.
“We will continue to report and denounce any situation that, like this one, continues to violate freedom of expression and religion in Nicaragua. We reiterate our commitment to evangelization in our beloved Diocese of Matagalpa”, warns the Church, recalling that the “word of God is not chained”.
Likewise, they call on their parishioners to “keep bending their knees” and join the days of prayer and fasting, because, they reiterate; “Only prayer will save Nicaragua.”
In recent months, the Ortega dictatorship has launched a persecution against the Catholic Church and its main leaders. At the beginning of May, the Police had initiated a wave of siege against the priests, among them is the father Harvey Padilla, parish priest of the San Juan Bautista church in Masaya, the father Uriel Vallejo, parish priest in Sébaco, Matagalpa, as well as Monsignor himself Rolando Alvarezthe latter had to take refuge in a temple in Managua after several days of persecution by the Police.
