Within the framework of the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Monsignor Fortunatus Nwachukwuformer apostolic nuncio in Nicaragua and now permanent observer of the Holy See at the UN, denounced that the restrictions on freedom of expression in Nicaragua are increasingly repressive against critics of the Daniel Ortega administration.
“With increasing restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, among other repressive measures against government critics, journalists and human rights defenders, as well as members of the Catholic Church, with the closure of independent media and the media and NGOs, including faith organizations, all of this is cause for concern,” said Monsignor Nwachukwu, in his speech on Tuesday, March 7.
The Vatican representative also emphasized his desire to “echo the call of Pope Francis, to that hostilities are overcome, that spaces are sought for constructive dialogue between the partieslaying the foundations for the return of a peaceful coexistence based on respect for the dignity of the right of all people, in particular those who are in a most vulnerable situation, who are disproportionately affected by the current circumstances.
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Likewise, Pope Francis, through his delegation to the UN agencies, urged the “sincere search for peace” to overcome the crisis in Nicaragua and stressed that this will only be achieved with «truth, justice, freedom and love».
In addition, Monsignor Nwachukwu stated that the Holy See is concerned about “the deterioration of the sociopolitical and human rights situation” in Nicaragua.
A group of UN experts presented on Thursday, March 2nd, a report on the Nicaraguan crisis, in which they point to the Nicaraguan dictatorship of committing systematic violations of human rights against the Nicaraguan people, which constitute “crimes against humanity”.
The document of the Group of Experts on Human Rights on Nicaragua mentions, among these violations and abuses, extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions, torture, and arbitrary deprivation of nationality and the right to remain in one’s country.
The Vatican “manages” the release of Monsignor Álvarez
The Vatican representative expressed yesterday, Monday, March 6, his sadness at the arbitrary imprisonment of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez and assured that the Vatican “is doing something” to achieve his release.
“I am very, very sad about what is happening to Monsignor Rolando and what is happening in Nicaragua. I know the country, I have worked in Nicaragua for five years with all sides, with the Nicaraguan people, with the Church and also with the Government. What is happening (currently) is as if I no longer recognized the Nicaragua that I loved and love so much,” said Monsignor Fortunatus Nwachukwu when approached by 100% News.
The Ortega justice sentenced Monsignor Rolando Álvarez to 26 years and four months in prison for “traitor to the homeland.” He was sentenced one day after refusing the banishment that the Ortega y Murillo regime wanted to impose on him along with 222 other political prisoners last month.
