11 Nicaraguan Pastors Released From Prison

The U.S. State Department has confirmed the release of 135 prisoners in Nicaragua which included 11 pastors and ministry leaders affiliated with Puerta de la Montaña, a Nicaraguan branch of a U.S.-based Christian ministry.

For over six months the ministers were imprisoned following a sham trial where each person received sentences of 12 to 15 years, as well as fines exceeding $80 million.

The 11 individuals, who were targeted due to their religious work, are now reported to be safely in Guatemala.

During their incarceration, they were barred from contacting their families or legal representatives.

The State Department condemned their detention as a violation of their fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and religion.

Kristina Hjelkrem, Legal Counsel for Latin America at ADF International, expressed relief at their release and criticized their imprisonment as unjust:

“The fact of the matter remains that the situation in Nicaragua is dire. People of faith have been openly and systematically persecuted and harassed by their government. ADF International will continue to advocate for religious freedom for all, and we look forward to continuing to seek justice for those wrongfully punished for their faith at the hands of the Nicaraguan regime.”

The release comes amid ongoing concerns about religious persecution in Nicaragua which ADF International has been actively involved in seeking justice for these leaders, which has included petitions to the Inter-American Commission and Court on Human Rights.

Puerta de la Montaña, which operates legally in Nicaragua, was involved in various humanitarian efforts and evangelical activities.

In December 2023, Nicaraguan authorities accused the organization of money laundering and arbitrarily revoked its registration, seizing its assets. Despite a lack of evidence, the 11 leaders were convicted in March 2024 and sentenced harshly.

Several U.S. Senators including Rick Scott, Ted Cruz, Katie Britt, and Tommy Tuberville, as well as Congressman Robert Aderholt, were instrumental in advocating for the prisoners’ release. Aderholt led a bipartisan letter to the Nicaraguan Ambassador, emphasizing the need for immediate release due to religious persecution.

In April 2024, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights urged Nicaragua to address the situation, followed by provisional measures from the Inter-American Court on Human Rights in July, which called for their immediate release and restoration of contact with their families and legal counsel.

ADF International continues to support other cases of religious persecution in Nicaragua, including that of Bishop Rolando Álvarez, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison for speaking out against government human rights abuses. Bishop Álvarez is currently in exile, with ongoing efforts to secure justice for him and others facing similar challenges.

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