US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Condemned persecution of Catholic priests by Daniel Ortega’s government in Nicaragua In its annual report on religious freedom, including abuses in China, Iran and Russia.
“human rights defender” He has warned of attacks against the Catholic Church by the Ortega regime in Nicaragua.” said the leader of American diplomacy in appearance before the press.
Attacks on the catholic church
The secretary said, more than 160 attacks have been registered against members of the Church in the country. According to data from Nicaraguan activist Martha Patricia Molina.
Among them, cited the case of the Minister of Foreign Affairs “unreasonable detention” Bishop Rolando José Álvarez Lagos, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison after refusing to be deported to US territory by the Ortega government.
“In many parts of the world, governments continue to persecute religious minorities using torture or so-called re-education camps,” Blinken expressed his condolences at the presentation of the report.
Carnage and crime
Secretary told another year “Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity” Victimized by Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang by Chinese authorities.
He also mentioned the oppression of the Iranian population In protest against the death of Mahsa Amini, Who died last year after being arrested for wearing a burqa wrongfully.
He also criticized the “repression of religious minorities by the Burmese military regime”. Whom Washington has accused of genocide for attacks on the Rohingya Muslim community.
In the same appearance, Rashad Hussain, the State Department’s ambassador for religious freedom, condemned Russia. “It continues to attack religious communities inside and outside its borders.”
In addition, the report also refers to Afghanistan, where people “must hide their religious identity or flee for their lives”, Explained.
Measures taken
Hussain celebrated “recent measures” Saudi Arabia on “religious tolerance” but stressed that public practice of any religion other than Islam “remains illegal” in the country.
Similarly, Blinken claimed progress in 2022 and cited the example of Belgium, which “formally recognizing their status as a Buddhist minority” which gives Buddhist religious organizations the right to teach their faith in public schools and, where appropriate, to apply for federal funding to do so.
Independence in brazil
He also appreciated the effort of Brazil. whose legislators established guarantees of religious freedom for indigenous and Afro-Brazilian communities at the municipal and state levels.
“America will continue to work to protect and promote religious liberty here at home.” Blinken added, acknowledging that his country also faces challenges in this area.
