Nicaragua’s government, led by President Daniel Ortega, continues to escalate its efforts to silence those who speak out against his regime. His targets include the Catholic Church and Church leaders. The moves have prompted the Vatican to close its embassy and now US lawmakers have taken note. New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, who is a leading Congressional voice on human rights, chaired a hearing looking deeper into the crisis. He says that he hopes the testimony will highlight the abuse by Nicaraguan President Ortega and his government and pressure the Biden Administration and other world leaders to act.
Congressman Smith says, “There needs to be real action. You can’t coddle a dictatorship and expect anything but the abuse to accelerate and get significantly worse. And that’s what’s happening with Ortega.” During the hearing, former political prisoners gave emotional testimony. Ortega’s government continues to detain, imprison and torture numerous Catholic leaders, including several priests along with Bishop Rolando Alvarez. Witnesses called on world leaders to condemn Ortega’s actions. Pope Francis recently called for peaceful coexistence in the country. Capitol Hill Correspondent, Erik Rosales reports.
