Show more
show less
Human rights organizations denounce that the Nicaraguan judicial authorities have held private hearings for Catholic priests who were arrested in August. The priests have already been accused, but it is unknown under what charges. Donaldo Hernández has the report for us.
Seven religious who were arrested along with Bishop Rolando Álvarez on August 19 have already been charged, according to the Nicaraguan Judiciary. Although the detainees have been under investigation for more than a month, the Managua courts have not yet revealed what charges they are being prosecuted for.
Human rights organizations denounce that the religious face the criminal process in private, despite the fact that Nicaraguan legislation provides that it must be public.
“Clandestine hearings have been held, they are people who are not even allowed to access them through communication with their defense attorneys,” he told the press. voice of america Yader Morazán, specialist in judicial issues.
The accused are the priests Ramiro Tijerino, Sadiel Eugarrios and José Luis Díaz; seminarians Darvin Leiva and Melkin Centeno; as well as the deacon Raúl Vega; and cameraman Sergio Cadena. According to human rights defenders, the priests have not been allowed private lawyers.
According to Morazán, the ruling party Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), “has absolute control of all justice operators and now including the public defender’s office that they have imposed to defend priests behind closed doors.”
The list of accused does not include Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who, according to the First Lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo, remains under house arrest in Managua. A measure questioned by activists, who claim that there is no such provision without a criminal charge.
