SW News: Police of the Sandinista government in Nicaragua stormed the episcopal curia of Matagalpa and took away Bishop Rolando Jose Alvarez and seven others on Friday, August 19. The bishop had been detained in his residence for almost 15 days with police in riot gear patrolling its premises.

Early on Friday, the Diocese of Matagalpa announced on social media that police entered the building and took the bishop to an unknown location. It is alleged that the orders to apprehend the bishop came from President Daniel Ortega himself as the prelate was an outspoken critic of the regime’s corruption and human rights violations.

Nicaraguan news outlet Confidencial has reported that apart from Bishop Alvarez, Fr Jose Luis Diaz, Fr Sadiel Eugarrios, the vicars of San Pedro Cathedral were held by the police. The others include Ramiro Tijerino, rector of the John Paul II University; Raul Gonzalez; seminarians Darvin Leyva, Melkin Sequeira; and cameraman Sergio Cardenas. It is reported that the prelate was separated from the others and taken away in a vehicle. The whole operation was led by Commissioner General Sergio Gutiérrez under the orders of Commissioner General Ramon Avellan, who is one of the most trusted officers of Ortega. This top cop has been accused of crimes against humanity for orchestrating the killing of 300 people during the 2018 protests.

Bishop Alvarez was placed under house arrest after he slammed the closure of Catholic radio stations on the orders of Ortega. He also sought respect for freedom of religion from the government. Police accuse the bishop of trying to “organize violent groups”, “incite hatred” and “destabilize the State of Nicaragua”.

The Sandinista government has stepped up its offensive against the Catholic Church. It expelled Missionaries of Charity nuns from the country after forcing them to close their NGOs. Even the Apostolic Nuncio was told to vacate the nation. The government has also cracked the whip on Catholic media outlets and other establishments.