It continues to be impossible to independently verify the situation of Monsignor Abelardo Mata, bishop emeritus of Estelí, several days after his detention by Nicaraguan authorities. While the government of Daniel Ortega maintains that the prelate is free and in good health, independent media outlets and organizations close to the Church insist that he remains under house arrest under strict police surveillance.
In a statement, the Ministry of the Interior assured that the bishop was only questioned as part of an investigation into alleged corruption offenses and that, after giving his statement, he returned to his residence “in perfect health” and after having received “respectful” treatment.
However, to date no recent images have emerged nor has there been any public appearance by Monsignor Mata that would corroborate the official version.
No independent evidence of his situation
Nicaraguan media in exile such as Confidencial, Despacho 505 and 100% Noticias agree that it has not been possible to establish direct contact with the prelate or to verify that he can move freely.
Various reports suggest that the 80-year-old bishop remains in his residence in Tisma under permanent police surveillance, although no independent source has been able to officially confirm this circumstance.
The lack of information has increased concern inside and outside Nicaragua about the bishop’s health, as he requires periodic check-ups due to the pacemaker he has implanted.
A new episode in the persecution against the Church
The situation of Monsignor Mata occurs within the framework of the persecution that the Sandinista regime has maintained for years against the Catholic Church.
Since the 2018 protests, numerous bishops, priests and religious have been detained, expelled or forced into exile, while hundreds of processions have been banned and various Catholic institutions have been closed.
Monsignor Abelardo Mata has for decades been one of the most critical voices against the government of Daniel Ortega, repeatedly denouncing violations of fundamental rights and the country’s authoritarian drift.