Christmas Highlighted by Family Separation Crisis in Nicaragua

A report by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) reveals that the Nicaraguan government is intensifying its control over the Catholic Church, imposing restrictions on religious practices and surveilling clergy. The Sandinista government has reportedly deployed undercover police to monitor sermons and restrict priests' movements, according to an unnamed parish priest who spoke to EL PAÍS. Father Fabricio, who has received warnings from the regime led by Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, described feeling “emasculated” as he navigates the dangers of speaking freely during Holy Week celebrations. He cited incidents where priests were warned against holding traditional processions and moderated messages from the pulpit for fear of imprisonment or exile. CSW documented 222 violations of religious freedom in Nicaragua, including the arrests of various religious leaders. The United Nations has also corroborated reports of state-sponsored harassment of religious communities, highlighting a broader strategy of surveillance and control utilized by the Ortega-Murillo regime. In a troubling trend, tax exemptions for religious institutions have been revoked, exacerbating the financial strain on the Catholic Church.

Christmas this year is filled with sorrow for many Nicaraguans, as over 900,000 people have fled the country since 2018 due to political persecution and economic turmoil. The recent reform of the Immigration and Foreigners Law by the Ortega-Murillo regime has intensified family separations, making it difficult for loved ones to reunite during the holidays. According to relatives of exiles, plans to visit family members in Costa Rica were abruptly canceled due to fears of imprisonment or being barred from re-entering Nicaragua. One anonymous family member shared their anguish, highlighting the emotional toll of such separations. The opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde has stated that "Nicaragua is suffering the largest exodus in its history," a sentiment echoed by exiles like María Laura Alvarado who lament the absence of family gatherings during a season traditionally associated with unity and celebration. The Sandinista leadership, however, continues to promote a narrative of stability and joy during the holidays, as articulated by co-president Rosario Murillo. The stark contrast between government claims and the realities faced by Nicaraguan families underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.

As Nicaraguans approach Christmas, the toll of political repression and familial separation due to government policies weighs heavily on countless families. Since 2018, more than 900,000 people have fled the country amidst an ongoing political crisis, creating a situation where almost every family in Nicaragua is affected by exile. As reported by EL PAÍS, recent reforms to the Immigration and Foreigners Law allow the Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo regime to deny entry and exit to foreign citizens, further complicating attempts for families to reunite during the holiday season. Marcos, a pseudonym for an exiled political opponent, shared with EL PAÍS that his family's planned visit to Costa Rica was derailed by the new immigration regulations, citing fears of imprisonment for attempting to travel. Similar sentiments were echoed by Azucena Bracamonte Valle, who faced denial of entry back into Nicaragua after a stopover in Mexico. Opposition group Concertación Democrática Nicaragüense Monteverde describes the current exodus as the largest in Nicaragua's history, highlighting that amid these struggles, the Christmas gatherings they once cherished are now overshadowed by separation and state repression.