Additional Name(s): Óscar Danilo Benavidez Dávila

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Sentence: 10 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: August/14/2022

Date of Sentencing: January/24/2023

Date of Release: February/9/2023

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Giving, Sharing, & Listening to a Religious Speech Human Rights Work for Religious Communities Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials Subversion

Oscar Benavidez

Extra Bio Info:

Oscar Benavidez was imprisoned for criticizing religious freedom conditions.

On August 14, 2022, authorities reportedly arrested Benavidez, a priest, after he performed mass. Benavidez regularly condemned "injustices" committed by the government. During the mass prior to his arrest, he mentioned the persecution of the prophets. His arrest came amid a crackdown on Catholic religious figures and institutions throughout the country.

On January 16, 2023, the Tenth Court of the Criminal Trial District of Managua found Benavidez guilty of “conspiracy to undermine national security and sovereignty” and “spreading fake news.” Prosecutors requested that Benavidez be sentenced to eight years in prison.

On January 24, 2023, Benavidez was sentenced to 10 years in prison. 

On February 9, 2023, Benavidez was released from prison and exiled to the United States.

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