Additional Name(s): Rolando José Álvarez, Rolando Jose Alvarez Lagos

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Nicaragua

Religion or Belief: Christian – Catholic

Sentence: 26 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: August/4/2022

Date of Sentencing: February/10/2023

Date of Release: January/14/2024

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: Yes

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Criticizing Religious Freedom Conditions Human Rights Work for Religious Communities Religious Activity Religious Figure & Religious Leadership Role

Nature of Charges: Criminal Premeditation & Conspiracy Spreading Propaganda & False or Misleading Ideas, Information, or Materials Treason & Sedition

Rolando Álvarez

Extra Bio Info:

Rolando Álvarez was imprisoned for criticizing religious freedom conditions.

On August 4, 2022, police prevented Álvarez, bishop of the Matagalpa diocese, from leaving his home to perform mass at a local cathedral after he criticized the government’s recent closure of several Catholic radio stations and its human rights record. Álvarez remained under de facto house arrest as authorities investigated him for “organizing violent groups” and encouraging them “to carry out acts of hate against the population.”

On August 19, 2022, police arrested Álvarez from his residence. It is reported that he was taken to Managua and placed under house arrest in his parents' home.

In December 2022, a court ordered that Álvarez remain under house arrest on charges of “conspiracy” and “spreading false news." He was also accused of “damaging the Nicaraguan government and society.”

On February 10, 2023, a court sentenced Álvarez to 26 years in prison after he declined to be exiled to the United States in a prisoner release the day before. Álvarez was reportedly convicted of several charges, including treason, undermining national integrity and spreading false news. He was also fined and stripped of his citizenship.

On January 14, 2024, Álvarez was released from prison and exiled to the Vatican.

Related Cases: Ramiro Tijerino, Sadiel Eugarrios, Raúl Antonio Vega, José Luis Díaz, Darvin Leiva, Melkin Sequeira, Sergio Cárdenas

Sources:
  • USCIRF Commissioners Frederick Davie and Frank Wolf, Tweet, January 16, 2024