Earlier this week, the government of Nicaragua ordered the closure of seven Catholic radio stations linked to a bishop who has been critical of President Daniel Ortega, as reported by Reuters. The announcement was made by Bishop Rolando Alvarez. The Nicaraguan telecommunications agency said the stations did not meet technical requirements to be on air.
This incident did not happen in isolation. Relations between the Catholic Church and Ortega deteriorated after 2018 following protests against the regime and a subsequent crackdown. In the town of Sebaco, protests erupted after a priest refused to hand over radio equipment and asked parishioners for help during a live video stream. Video on social media showed police firing shots and tear gas, before taking control of the parish and the radio station.
