Nicaragua Reportedly Bans Tourists from Bringing Bibles Amid Escalating Crackdown on Religious Freedom

New Restrictions on Entry

Tourists traveling to Nicaragua are reportedly no longer permitted to bring Bibles into the country. This new restriction has been communicated through notices displayed at Tica Bus terminals in Costa Rica and El Salvador, which serve routes to the Nicaraguan capital, Managua. The ban extends beyond religious texts to include other printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, and books, as well as electronic devices like cameras and drones. Representatives from the bus company's Honduras office indicated that these restrictions have been in effect for over six months.

Context of Repression and Religious Freedom Concerns

The reported ban on Bibles is seen as a further escalation in a years-long crackdown on civil liberties and religious expression by President Daniel Ortega's government. Since April 2018, more than 5,000 independent civil society organizations, including over 1,300 religious groups, have had their legal status revoked by the government. The government has also imposed restrictions on media, such as customs controls on ink and paper, leading to the closure of independent newspapers like El Nuevo Diario.

Religious leaders in Nicaragua have faced significant pressure, with reports of arbitrary detention, movement restrictions, and requirements for state approval for their activities. Public religious processions are largely prohibited unless organized by groups aligned with the government. Furthermore, the government has confiscated numerous properties from the Catholic Church and other religious organizations, including schools and universities. The U.S. Department of State designated Nicaragua as a 'Country of Particular Concern' for severe violations of religious freedom.

International Reaction and Calls for Reversal

The reported ban has drawn strong condemnation from international advocacy groups. Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), a U.K.-based organization, has voiced 'high concern' over the restrictions. Anna Lee Stangl, CSW's Director of Advocacy and Americas Team Leader, stated, 'The Nicaraguan government's efforts to restrict the entry of Bibles, other books, newspapers, and magazines into the country are highly concerning, given the current context of repression.' Stangl has urged the Nicaraguan government to 'lift this ban immediately' and called on the international community to 'seek creative ways to support and strengthen independent Nicaraguan voices both inside the country and in exile.' While the Nicaraguan government has not issued an official statement specifically on the Bible ban, the rules are reportedly communicated by Nicaraguan authorities to transportation companies. The government has previously accused religious leaders of inciting violence and supporting an alleged coup in 2018.