The opposition National Blue Unit and Bank (Unab) demanded the freedom of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, bishop of the Diocese of Matagalpa, who this Sunday, October 12, marks 80 days of having been deprived of his liberty by the Daniel Police Ortega.
“We denounce the kidnapping of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, Bishop of the Diocese of Matagalpa. We demand that it #ShowNow and leave it in #FreedomNow»., The opposition bloc demanded through its Twitter account.
Related news: Monsignor Álvarez completes 50 days of kidnapping without official accusation against him
He also emphasized that the Ortega and Murillo dictatorship tries, with the forced confinement, “to silence his prophetic voice – of Monsignor Álvarez – and of denunciation in favor of the people of Nicaragua.”
«Where is Monsignor Álvarez? 80 days kidnapped”, recalled the Unab, an organization that has joined the demand of religious, human rights defenders and other opposition groups for the dictatorship to show the bishop.
On August 4, the Ortega police prevented the prelate from leaving, who was in the Episcopal Curia of Matagalpa, along with priests, two seminarians and a layman.
Related news: They accuse priests and seminarians who accompanied Monsignor Álvarez of conspiracy and spreading false news
On the 19th of the same month, riot police raided the compound, leaving the chief under house arrest and his companions confined in the Judicial Assistance Directorate (DAJ), known as “El Nuevo Chipote” in Managua, who have been prosecuted and held hearings behind closed doors.
The Ortega regime, through the Police, pointed out that Álvarez’s arbitrary detention was to “recover normality for the citizens and families of Matagalpa.”
Where is Monsignor Álvarez being held?
Although it is not officially known where Monsignor Álvarez is, a source revealed to Article 66 that the priest is at the home of some relatives, near the Cargill company, on the road to Masaya.
«The house is located about 100 meters from the Cargill company, in the Los Madrigales region, it is a narrow road. There is a limit, it is the only elegant and large house in that area, there are three or four riot police, who are relieved at six in the afternoon. Every day a patrol full of policemen and cars with dark windows leaves,” added the informant.
This media outlet confirmed that several vans from the police institution patrol the area daily and the house where the Bishop of Matagalpa is supposedly located is “protected” by riot police.
Related news: Cenidh demands that the physical integrity of Monsignor Álvarez be respected after 46 days of “kidnapping”
«When Monsignor Álvarez was brought here, two days later the cardinal came —Leopoldo Brenes—, other priests whom I do not know have also come. The area is closely guarded by the Managua Police and State security. Every day —in the morning— cars come with people from the government, guarded by motorized people,” reported a source on condition of anonymity.
Given the violation of the human rights of Monsignor Rolando Álvarez, the European Parliament approved on September 15 a resolution with 538 votes in favor, 16 against and 28 abstentions in which they urge the dictator Ortega release the prelate and the priests arrested during the attacks on the Church.
