According to Despacho 505, the trial was held behind closed doors. The prosecutor asked for eight years in prison. However, the court decided to impose a five-year sentence for “conspiring against national integrity” and another five for allegedly “spreading fake news”.

In addition, a fine of nearly $1,400 was imposed. The defense plans to appeal the verdict.

This is the first time a priest has been convicted of opposition activities against the socialist regime. The same accusations are made against Mr. Rolando Álvarez. He is due to appear in court on March 28. Priests called for respect for justice, stood up for the protesting people and tried to mediate in dialogue.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega Calls Bishops Terrorists. The current lawsuits of priests are an example of the intensification of the regime’s struggle with the opposition. Previously, opponents of Ortega’s power had to go into exile. The apostolic nuncio Archbishop Waldemar Sommertag and the missionaries of charity also had to leave the country.

Source: pch24.pl