On January 8, 2025, the European Center for Law and Justice (ECLJ) organized a rally in Paris to shine a spotlight on the plight of persecuted Christians in Nicaragua. Held near the Nicaraguan embassy, the event was both a call for justice and a demonstration of solidarity with those suffering under Daniel Ortega’s Sandinista regime.
The rally coincided with the release of ECLJ’s comprehensive report on the persecution of Christians in Nicaragua, available in three languages. The event garnered significant media attention, amplifying the urgency of the issue on an international scale. Despite initial indications of a willingness to engage, the Nicaraguan ambassador ultimately declined to meet with ECLJ representatives, and the police intervened to escort the group out of the embassy premises.
A Platform for Advocacy and Solidarity
The gathering featured a range of influential voices dedicated to defending religious freedoms. Thibault van den Bossche, representing ECLJ, opened the rally by outlining the dire conditions faced by Christians in Nicaragua and the efforts to defend their rights on institutional fronts.
Two distinguished French parliamentarians lent their support to the cause. Éléonore Caroit, MP for the 2nd constituency of French citizens living abroad, which includes Nicaragua, detailed her motion for a resolution to defend human rights in the region. Her initiative, supported across political groups, underscores the broad commitment within the French National Assembly to address this crisis. Nicolas Bay, a Member of the European Parliament and a participant in the European Union’s Delegation for relations with Central America, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the EU’s responsibility to protect religious freedoms globally.
A Historical and Contemporary Perspective
Testimonies from experts further contextualized the persecution in Nicaragua. François-Xavier Gicquel of SOS Chrétiens d’Orient highlighted the country’s alarming ascent as one of the world’s most dangerous places for Christians. Guillaume de Thieulloy, journalist and author, traced parallels between Nicaragua’s current situation and historical instances of religious persecution under Marxist regimes. Jean-Pierre Maugendre, President of Renaissance Catholique, shared insights into the Church’s enduring resistance to oppression.
Grégor Puppinck, ECLJ’s director, concluded the event with announcements of upcoming initiatives, including the organization’s participation in the Universal Periodic Review of Nicaragua’s human rights record, set to be adopted in March during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
A Call to Action
The rally concluded with a collective prayer led by Abbé Guy Pagès, emphasizing the spiritual solidarity of attendees. The event served as a poignant reminder of the responsibility shared by political leaders and individuals alike to confront religious persecution.
Through its ongoing efforts, including advocacy at international forums, the ECLJ remains committed to ensuring that the voices of Nicaragua’s Christians are heard and their rights defended.
