President Daniel Ortega has targeted the Catholic Church again, canceling the legal status and registration of 25 institutions. This list includes the Franciscan Friars Minor and several other Christian denomination groups. The regime announced this decision on Oct. 24 in the official government newspaper, La Gaceta, mentioning that eight of the 25 non-profit organizations requested the cancellation themselves.
The dictatorship canceled organizations such as the Order of the Franciscan Friars Minor of the Seraphic Province of Assisi in Nicaragua, the Association of Women Golondrinas, the Center for Comprehensive Care of Boys and Girls with Autism Foundation, the International Church of Christ Association in Nicaragua, the True Vine Christian Ministry Association, and the St. Francis Medical Specialists Association. The dictatorship claims these organizations did not submit their financial statements or boards of directors.
Minister of the Interior María Amelia Coronel Kinloch signed a notice declaring the government of Nicaragua, through the attorney general’s office, would take over the liquid and fixed assets of these 17 organizations.