WASHINGTON — The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has mandated that the government of Nicaragua release 11 pastors and ministry leaders imprisoned on false convictions of money laundering.
Alliance Defending Freedom International, which supported the legal defense of the 11, said the court told the government to release the group immediately and put the individuals in contact with their families and legal counsel.
Denied communication with family, counsel
The group not only has been incarcerated more than six months but also was denied communication with family and counsel.
Although no evidence of illicit activity was produced during a sham trial, the 11 were convicted March 19, stated ADF International. They were sentenced to 12–15 years and fined more than $80 million per person.
At the time of the money laundering accusation in December 2023, the 11 were with Puerta de la Montana, part of a nonprofit group based in the United States and operating legally in Nicaragua. The organization plants churches; trains ministers; holds events to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and provides discipleship, food, clothes and disaster relief, stated ADF International.
Nicaragua is No. 30 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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