Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, along with Senators Ted Cruz, Tommy Tuberville, and Katie Britt, have penned a letter to President Joe Biden urging the implementation of specific sanctions on Nicaragua in response to the regime's religious persecution. The senators expressed deep concern over the repeated violations of religious freedom in Nicaragua, particularly targeting groups associated with the Catholic Church.

The letter addressed the recent actions taken by the Ortega-Murillo regime against Mountain Gateway, a U.S.-based Christian organization with a longstanding missionary presence in Latin America. The senators highlighted the unjust imprisonment of 13 pastors associated with Mountain Gateway and the issuance of arrest warrants for three American citizens linked to the organization. They emphasized the regime's corruption and collaboration with other oppressive regimes in the Western Hemisphere.

The senators called for stronger measures to hold the Ortega-Murillo regime accountable for its violations of religious freedom and longstanding abuse and corruption. They underscored the importance of the United States demonstrating strength in defense of human rights, democracy, and freedom in the region.

The letter pointed out the regime's increasing human rights abuses, particularly since the pro-democracy protests in 2018. The Ortega-Murillo regime has been accused of repressing dissent through arrests, violence, and exiling opposition leaders. The closure of numerous NGOs and the seizure of assets, including those of Mountain Gateway, were highlighted as part of the regime's efforts to dismantle civil society institutions.

Citing a report by the United Nations Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, the senators emphasized the gravity of the situation, with widespread human rights violations amounting to crimes against humanity being committed by the Nicaraguan government. The report called for accountability of high-level officials, including President Ortega and Vice-President Murillo.

Senator Scott urged the administration to impose additional targeted sanctions and utilize all available authorities to hold the Ortega-Murillo regime accountable. He emphasized the need to stand with the Nicaraguan people, pressure the regime for the restoration of religious freedom and human rights, uphold democracy, and secure the release of all political prisoners.

The senators concluded the letter with a call for action, emphasizing the importance of standing against oppressive regimes like those in Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba. They urged President Biden to take decisive steps in support of the Nicaraguan people and in defense of fundamental rights and freedoms.