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 Luis Moncada

Extra Bio Info:

Juan Luis Moncada was imprisoned for his religious affiliation and religious leadership role.

In December 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Moncada, 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 Moncada to 12 years in prison. Moncada was also fined $80 million.

On September 5, 2024, the Nicaraguan government exiled Moncada 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 Carlos Chavarría Zapata, 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.