Nicaraguans in a religious ceremony with the Inmaculada. Photo: Garman Miranda/El19.net.
The government of Nicaragua has described Washington’s claims about so-called “religious persecution” in the Central American nation as “perverse,” highlighting the massive participation in Holy Week celebrations and condemning the persecution of migrants within the US empire.
In an official statement published this Thursday, April 2, the Nicaraguan government detailed how thousands of religious activities, including Catholic, Christian, and Evangelical celebrations during Holy Week, are currently taking place throughout the country with massive participation. The statement highlights that the people, described as devout and full of faith, are keeping their traditions alive, participating en masse in rites and religious practices that form part of their identity.
📹🇳🇮| Nicaragua vive la temporada de verano y Semana Santa con una combinación de fe, cultura y turismo. Mostrando lo mejor de su idiosincrasia en estas fechas religiosas.
🎙️ #KeniaDoña pic.twitter.com/rZxWUtPlmj
— teleSUR TV (@teleSURtv) April 2, 2026
These statements come amid constant criticism from the US. In 2023, the US State Department and its embassy said they had intensified efforts to “protect religious freedom in the Central American country,” pointing fingers at the Nicaraguan government.
The US State Department imposed visa restrictions on hundreds of individuals who “supported” the government’s so-called attacks on religious groups and leaders, including Bishop Rolando Alvarez.
In contrast to these statements from Washington, the Nicaraguan government has denounced the “shameful and distressing” reality in the US settler entity, marked by the systematic persecution of migrants, including children. Managua clearly explained how hardworking and innocent people face abuse, harassment, family separation, and human rights violations on US soil.
Nicaraguan authorities urged those who spread such falsehoods about religious life in the country to retract their statements, adding that such claims are part of political disinformation campaigns that foster hatred and do not contribute to understanding between nations.
Finally, the Nicaraguan statement took care to emphasize that the essence of Christianity lies in love, harmony, and hope, reaffirming that “the power of truth makes us free.”
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/AU
