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Nicaragua News
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Christians Released Amidst Ongoing Oppression
Pastor Rudy Palacios Vargas
Photo: CSWIn recent months, Nicaragua's dictatorial government led by President Daniel Ortega has arbitrarily detained or deported Christians and shut down numerous non-profit organizations. (Read about some of the recent challenges.) On July 17th, 2025, Pastor Rudy Palacios Vargas was among a group of Christians detained by police. No arrest warrants or charges were issued, and family members had not received any information on the believers' whereabouts for six months. Tragically, one of Pastor Rudy's detained companions, Mauricio Alonso Petri, died while in custody.
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Imprisoned Lay Leaders Transferred to House Arrest
Carmen and Lesbia.
Photo: Christian Solidarity WorldwideChristians in Nicaragua have been subjected to various forms of oppression and violence by the Sandinista government. In the summer of 2024, many religious leaders were arrested or deported, and numerous faith-based organizations were forcibly shut down. (To review previously published reports addressing the challenges believers are facing in this Central American nation, visit this page.)
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Public Easter Celebrations Banned
A church in Nicaragua. This year, Christians across Nicaragua are celebrating Holy Week under the watchful eye of police and paramilitary forces. The heightened tensions follow the decision of the Sandinista government led by Daniel Ortega and Rosaria Murillo to ban many public celebrations, including processions that are common among Latin American churches.
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Recent Release of 135 Prisoners, Including Christian Workers
Pastors and ministry leaders who were released.
Photo: ADF InternationalChurches and nonprofit organizations in Nicaragua have been encountering increasing harassment from the government under the leadership of President Daniel Ortega. In recent years, dozens of religious leaders were arrested or expelled from the country and hundreds of organizations have been shut down.
