Nicaragua: Government restricts commemoration of April 2018 protests

19 April 2021, Chinandega: According to Artƒ­culo 66, a Sandinista mob stormed the El Rosario church where government opponents were reading out a tribute to the victims of the April 2018 uprising. The mob interrupted the proceedings, shouted support for Daniel Ortega and claimed that churches should not be dealing in politics. 21 April 2021, Masaya: Catƒ³lica Nicaraguense reported through Facebook that 80 people including policemen and supporters of the regime surrounded the Catholic church in Masaya and threw stones at the conclusion of the church service. World Watch Research analyst Rossana Ramƒ­rez, comments: "In April 2021, Nicaragua commemorated the third anniversary of the 2018 uprising against the regime. Relatives of the murdered protesters recalled the events and prayers were held. Once again, the pulpit became a space for protest against government injustice and a platform for demanding the release of political prisoners. The strong police presence outside churches is a form of government intimidation with the aim of silencing the voice of Christian opposition to President Ortega"s regime. This has become normal practice, with the police supporting the violent actions of regime supporters against Christians."