I call on you to insistently demand 1) the release of Nicaraguan Roman Catholic clergy members and 2) seek information on the whereabouts and living conditions of Monsignor Silvio Fonseca from the Offices of the President, Daniel Ortega, and Vice President, Rosario Murillo, of the Republic of Nicaragua. 

There needs to be immediate and unconditional release of Nicaraguan Roman Catholic clergy members who were rounded up due to their religious affiliation and either placed in jail or house arrest. 

For instance, Monsignor Silvio Fonseca was recently reported to be under house arrest at a seminary in Nicaragua. Monsignor Fonseca is a charitable and well respected religious leader who places the needs of the poor at the forefront of his work. He founded The Specialized Technical Institute John Paul II (ITEJP) as a non-profit organization registered in Nicaragua and in the United States. Since 1996, Monsignor has paved the way for young people from low income families to acquire technical skills and find a vocation for their social development and economic security.

Monsignor Silvio Fonseca is just one example of the Nicaraguan clergy who have been persecuted for exercising their right to freedom of religion and association. It is essential that the authorities allow him and his fellow clergy members to carry out their legitimate and peaceful religious practices without fear of retaliation.

Yours sincerely,