Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa
Gender: Male
Perpetrator: Nicaragua
Religion or Belief: Christian – Protestant
Sentence: 15 Years' Imprisonment
Date of Detainment: December//2024
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
Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa
Extra Bio Info:
Walner Omier Blandón Ochoa was imprisoned for his religious affiliation and religious leadership role.
In December 2023, Nicaraguan police arrested Ochoa, 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 Ochoa to 15 years in prison. Ochoa was also fined $80 million.
On September 5, 2024, the Nicaraguan government exiled Ochoa to Guatemala.
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Sources:
- Photo attributed to ADF International and Mountain Gateway Order, Inc.