Nicaragua: 11 evangelical pastors sentenced

By L’Osservatore Romano

Eleven evangelical pastors associated with the US organization Mountain Gateway have been convicted by the Nicaraguan justice system on charges of money laundering.

Judges have issued sentences ranging from 12 to 15 years in prison, along with a fine of $80 million each, to members of the Texas-based organization, who were arrested two months ago and held in isolation without contact with lawyers or family members.

The trial took place behind closed doors. The Alliance for Freedom Defense International, Adf Internacional, reported the "irregular" sentencing in a proceeding during which "authorities were unable to present any evidence." Adf has called for intervention by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to demand that authorities in Managua show respect for prisoners during their time in jail.

Meanwhile, for the second consecutive year, Holy Week was observed in Nicaragua without processions in the streets, as they were prohibited by the authorities.

The only authorized services took place inside places of worship and in their inner courtyards. 4,000 police officers were deployed around the country's churches to enforce the ban.