Persecution of religious groups is rising in Nicaragua, with harassment, surveillance and restrictions imposed on many believers, according to new research.
A report released by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) revealed that 309 cases infringing on the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) were recorded by researchers during 2025, with 108 involving Protestants, continuing a concerning trend from previous years. Many involved in such cases were forced to leave the country and denied re-entry or imprisoned in “inhumane” conditions.
Despite Roman Catholicism having long been the dominant religious tradition in the Central American nation, co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo (who are married) have, along with the left-wing Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), overseen an increase in restrictions and monitoring of religious groups.
