Religious Persecution and the Closing of Civic Space in Nicaragua

The event will be webcast live from this page.

Please join the CSIS Americas Program for a discussion on Religious Persecution and the Closing of Civic Space in Nicaragua.

The authoritarian Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua has reached new levels of repression with its latest campaign of systematically targeting the Catholic Church, detaining and intimidating leaders and congregations. The recent arrest of Bishop Rolando Álvarez has been an especially concerning portent for the future of the regime’s authoritarian efforts to clamp down against dissent. The church has been an important and outspoken voice on human rights and political freedoms in Nicaragua, gathering individuals from across the political spectrum to advocate for change. 

This event will outline recent attacks on the Catholic Church in Nicaragua, and situate these within the broader context of state repression and authoritarian consolidation. It will also identify ways the United States, allies, and civil society including the church can respond.

This event is made possible by general support to the Americas Program.