Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Sentence: 12 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: December//2023

Date of Sentencing: March/19/2024

Date of Release: September/5/2024

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Religious Association Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Embezzlement & Fraud

Juan Carlos Chavarría Zapata

Extra Bio Info:

Juan Carlos Chavarría Zapata was imprisoned for his religious affiliation and religious leadership role.

In December 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Zapata, a pastor with the Puerta de la Montaña Ministry, on dubious "money laundering charges" amid a crackdown on religious communities. 

On March 19, 2024, the Fifth District Criminal Court sentenced Zapata to 12 years in prison. Zapata was also fined $80 million.

On September 5, 2024, the Nicaraguan government exiled Zapata to Guatemala.

Related cases: Marcos Sergio Hernández Jirón, Harry Lening Rios Bravo, Manuel de Jesús Ríos Flores, José Luis Orozco Urrutia, Álvaro Daniel Escobar Cabrera, Juan Luis Moncada, Orvin Alexis Moncada Castellano, César Facundo Burgalin Miranda, Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa, Marisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz

Sources:
  • Photo attributed to ADF International and Mountain Gateway Order, Inc.