Nicaragua’s Government Implements New Restrictions to Suppress Religious Organizations
The Nicaraguan government, under President Daniel Ortega, has intensified its crackdown on religious organizations, closing 1,500 NGOs and requiring remaining entities to report income and pay taxes of up to 30%. Critics contend this is an effort to ‘financially suffocate’ the church, which has historically supported opposition movements. Reports of clergy exodus and Pope Francis’s appeals highlight the escalating crisis regarding religious freedom in Nicaragua.
The Nicaraguan government has intensified its crackdown on religious institutions, notably targeting the Catholic Church, as part of a broader strategy to undermine perceived opposition. The regime, led by President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, recently closed roughly 1,500 civic organizations and mandated that remaining religious entities must now declare their income and pay taxes. This shift has been characterized by critics and church representatives as an effort to ‘financially suffocate’ the church in Nicaragua, which has historically served as a support base for opposition movements against the government. The newly issued decree affects various Christian institutions, including Catholic entities such as the Diocese of Granada’s Caritas and multiple schools run by the congregation Madre del Divino Pastor. For instance, the school in Diriamba is now under governmental control, raising concerns among parents and staff about potential changes in administration. Reports indicate that the school’s principal, when attempting to return to Nicaragua, was blocked by government authorities. This large-scale crackdown is unprecedented in Nicaraguan history, with approximately 3,600 NGOs shuttered since 2018, demonstrating a focused strategy to limit alternative voices within society. Additionally, the regime has modified tax laws to remove tax exemptions for churches, enforcing a requirement for all religious groups to report their income and pay taxes of up to 30%. Critics regard this move as an attempt to weaken church influence. Father José María Tojeira, a Jesuit spokesperson in El Salvador, stated, “It is really about the Sandinista regime trying to weaken the churches, to destroy them, and take control of them.” Political analysts, such as Eliseo Núñez, echo this sentiment, labeling the stringent scrutiny of church finances as a tactic to financially constrict the church. The regime’s pattern of behavior implies a systematic strategy where efforts to suppress societal dissent are underway through economic manipulation. Reports reveal an exodus of religious figures, with recent departures of two priests to the Vatican amidst increased repression targeted at the Catholic clergy. Pope Francis has voiced his concerns for the situation in Nicaragua, urging the people to remain hopeful despite the trials they face. His message of support underscores the global attention directed towards the struggle for religious freedom and human rights in the region.
The government’s actions reflect a concerted effort to limit the influence of religious institutions, which have traditionally been associated with opposition movements in Nicaragua. President Ortega’s administration perceives these organizations as threats to its authoritarian control. Since 2018, there has been a notable increase in the repression of various civic organizations under the guise of financial transparency and accountability. This campaign extends to NGOs and religious bodies, focusing on dismantling any potential sources of resistance.
In summary, the Nicaraguan government’s recent initiatives to impose tax obligations on religious organizations and shut down civic institutions signal a strategic attempt to undermine opposition forces. Critics argue this strategy constitutes a campaign of financial suffocation aimed at stifling the church’s role in civil society. As the situation develops, global attention remains fixed on Nicaragua’s trajectory towards increased authoritarianism.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
