The Nicaraguan exile community in the United States and the marathon runner Alex Vanegas will carry out a walk entitled “Respect the country”with the aim of demanding the freedom of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, arrested on August 19, after a police assault on the Episcopal Curia of Matagalpa.
“Let us accompany Don Álex to carry the torch of freedom this Sunday, September 28, starting from West Flagler Street, in front of the Nicaraguan consulate, at nine in the morning. We finished at the Santa Agatha church at 12:30 pm”, refers to the call launched by the organizations “El Tranque Miami” and Nicas Autoconvocados in Miami.
Related news: Cenidh demands information on the physical condition of Monsignor Álvarez, after 40 days of confinement
The organizations invite citizens in Miami to accompany the marathon runner by car, motorcycle or bicycle to the church where Monsignor Silvio José Báez offers mass to demand “justice, democracy and freedom” for Monsignor Álvarez and the rest of the political prisoners of the Ortega regime. – Murillo.
This Monday, the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights (Cenidh) demanded to know the physical and psychological state of the religious leader who has been held for 40 days. «15 days in the Episcopal Curia and 25 days supposedly in the house of his parents. No further details are known about his physical and psychological condition. We demand his freedom and respect for his physical integrity », refers to the complaint published via Twitter made by Cenidh. This human rights organization has launched a campaign demanding the release of the cardinal.
So far, further details are unknown about the arrest of the priest who was violently abducted from the Episcopal Curia of Matagalpa on August 19, along with eight priests, seminarians and lay people, who, according to the only report provided by the Police, are locked up in the cells of the Directorate of Judicial Assistance, in Managua, known as “El Nuevo Chipote”.
On August 21, Nicaraguans in Miami traveled in a vehicle caravan through various cities in the county, with banners, photos, flags and chanting phrases such as “Rolando, friend, the people are with you!”, to demonstrate in support of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez and other priests imprisoned in Nicaragua.
Related news: Kidnapping of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez arrives at the European Parliament this week
During his homily, Monsignor Silvio José Báez urged the dictators of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua to release political prisoners, with special mention to Bishop Rolando Álvarez.
“Release those who have captives and I think of my brother Bishop Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, unjustly detained because he is innocent, the priests and laity who are detained and, in all the political prisoners in Latin America, free them because there are no reasons to keep them in prison” , said the Catholic leader, exiled in the United States.
