Gender: Female

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant

Sentence: 15 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

Marisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz

Extra Bio Info:

Marisela de Fátima Mejía Ruiz was imprisoned for her religious affiliation and religious leadership role.

In December 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Ruiz, 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 Ruiz to 15 years in prison. Ruiz was also fined $80 million.

On September 5, 2024, the Nicaraguan government exiled Ruiz 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, Juan Luis Moncada, Orvin Alexis Moncada Castellano, César Facundo Burgalin Miranda, Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa

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