Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott, alongside Senators Tommy Tuberville, Katie Britt, Ted Cruz, and Kevin Cramer, introduced a resolution in the U.S. Senate condemning the Nicaraguan government's unjust imprisonment of individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway Order, a U.S.-based Christian organization. The resolution comes in response to the recent arrests of pastors associated with the evangelical group, despite having the approval and support of the Nicaraguan government.

According to the resolution, 11 individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway Order were arrested in December 2023 by the Nicaraguan government on baseless claims of money laundering and organized crime. The accused individuals have been denied adequate access to legal counsel, raising concerns about the lack of due process.

The resolution also highlights the targeting of American citizens associated with Mountain Gateway Order for arrest and extradition by the Nicaraguan government, further exacerbating the violations of religious freedom in the country. It notes a pattern of suppressing free speech and religious rights of Christians and other organizations in Nicaragua.

The Government of Nicaragua's actions have prompted the Senate to condemn the targeting and imprisonment of individuals affiliated with Mountain Gateway Order without due process of law. The resolution calls on the Nicaraguan government to address these violations of religious freedom and international human rights promptly.

The resolution reflects Congress' commitment to upholding international religious freedom and human rights, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of individuals and organizations to practice their faith without fear of persecution.