Óscar Escoto
Additional Name(s): Óscar José Escoto Salgado, Óscar Escoto Salgado
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Nicaragua
Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic
Date of Detainment: December/21/2023
Date of Release: December/24/2023
Current Status: Released
Religious Leader: Yes
Most Recent Type of Abuse: Detainment
Reason for Persecution: Religious Activity Religious Association Religious Belief Religious Expression Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role Religious Identity
Nature of Charges: Unknown
Óscar Escoto
Extra Bio Info:
Óscar Escoto was detained for his religious belief and activity and his religious leadership role.
On August 4, 2022, the Nicaraguan police prevented several people, including Escoto, from leaving the residence of Bishop Rolando Álvarez as the bishop was on his way to perform mass at a local cathedral. Álvarez had criticized the government’s recent closure of several Catholic radio stations and its human rights record. Alvarez, Escoto, and the other individuals in the residence remained under de facto house arrest as authorities investigated them for “organizing violent groups” and encouraging them “to carry out acts of hate against the population.”
On August 19, 2022, Escoto was released from de facto house arrest.
On December 21, 2023, the Nicaraguan authorities arrested Escoto, the Vicar of the Diocesis of Matagalpa.
On December 22, 2023, the Nicaraguan authorities released Escoto. Shortly after his release, Escoto was arrested again.
On December 24, 2023, the Nicaraguan authorities released Escoto.
On January 14, 2024, Escoto was exiled to the Vatican.
Related Cases: Rolando Álvarez, Ramiro Tijerino, Sadiel Eugarrios, Raúl Antonio Vega, José Luis Díaz, Darvin Leiva, Melkin Sequeira, Sergio Cárdenas