CAP Liberté de Conscience August 2024
The Nicaraguan government is cracking down harder on groups and civil society. Recently on August 19th the Ministry of the Interior announced the closure of, over 150 governmental organizations (NGOs) and required churches and religious organizations to pay income taxes.
These actions are part of a series of suppressions by President Daniel Ortegas government against dissenting voices and civil society. The closures have affected groups ranging from churches to Rotary clubs. While the government claims these measures are due to issues many view them as an effort to stifle criticism.
A spokesperson for the Catholic Church expressed concern over what they called an unprecedented assault on freedom of religion and association in Nicaragua. There are worries among observers about how these closures will impact the humanitarian services provided by these organizations.
These developments reflect a pattern of repression, by the Ortega administration as it aims to strengthen its authority in the face of opposition. Human rights advocates are calling on the community to denounce these actions and take steps to safeguard Nicaraguan civil society.
Sources :
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/08/23/nicaragua-orders-churches-to-pay-taxes-in-ongoing-crackdown/
