Persecution of Christians on the rise in Nicaragua and Cuba: Churches under attack and leaders in exile

In 2024, Christians in Nicaragua and Cuba face alarming conditions of persecution, driven primarily by governments that see the church as a threat to their authority. In Nicaragua, under the regime of Daniel Ortega, persecution of Christians has escalated since 2018, with a total of 667 attacks recorded on churches and other Christian properties, including confiscations of property, arrests, and exiles of religious leaders. The Ortega government has promoted restrictive laws and measures, eliminating the possibility of free expression and religious organization in the country. Churches are seen as hotbeds of resistance, and their leaders are subject to constant surveillance and threats of exile.

In Cuba, the situation is similar. The communist regime continues to impose restrictions on religious freedom, limiting the activities of churches and restricting permits to build new temples. Pastors and Christian leaders are monitored and, in many cases, detained or intimidated by the government. This persecution in Cuba has led to a situation in which Christians must practice their faith under conditions of control and censorship, facing sanctions and restrictions when they participate in community activities or express opinions contrary to the official ideology.

Both countries have implemented policies that restrict freedom of worship, in an attempt to reduce the influence of the church in public life. As the governments of Nicaragua and Cuba strengthen their power, the persecution of Christian communities intensifies, limiting the exercise of their faith and exposing them to sanctions that affect both their leaders and their followers. The situation continues to be worrying and is the subject of international surveillance due to the violations of human rights and religious freedom that have been documented.