E/CN.4/1990/46
page 28
"(f) An American, David Richard McBride, and a Canadians
Mervin Budd, were reportedly arrested on 27 October 1988 and charged with
'preaching Christianity and causing a disturbance to Hinduism1. They are
reportedly being held in a small district centre of Phidim."
Nicaragua
64. In a communication dated 3 October 1988 to the Nicaraguan Government
(E/CN.4/1989/44, para. 5 4 ) , the following information was transmitted by the
Special Rapporteur:
"It has been alleged that, in spite of very liberal provisions in
the Constitution with regard to freedom of thought, conscience and
religion, there exist a number of de facto limitations to the effective
enjoyment of this right. Restrictions are reported to concern a number
of denominations, such as Catholics, Mennonites, Moravians, Seventh Day
Adventists, Jehovah's Witnesses, members of the Pentecostal Church and
Mormons.
"It has been reported that a number of church properties have been
damaged or seized by the authorities. Some of the damage reportedly took
place in combat areas and was caused by the Nicaraguan army, notably in
the rural communities of El Tigre, Aguas Calientes, Kaisiguas and
Aguasas. Other property damage reportedly occurred in attacks by the
'Turbas Divinas'. It has further been reported that, on 14 October 1985,
the Nicaraguan State Security Service seized all movables of the relief
organization COPROSA (Comision de Promocion Arquidiocesana) of the
Archdiocese of Managua, which has since remained closed.
"It has been alleged that the emergency laws restrict the freedom of
religious assembly, since public open air services and processions on
private grounds are limited to a great extent. It has also been reported
that official and semi-official organizations frequently disrupt church
meetings and services and that, for instance, 15 disruptions of services
in the church of Nuestra Senora del Carmen in Managua have been caused in
the past three years by 'Turbas Divinas1 and members of the military.
"It has been alleged that freedom to preach is subjected to severe
limitations and that censorship covers the bishops' pastoral letters and,
to some extent, religious sermons.
"A number of church publications have reportedly been restricted or
banned, including the following: Iglesia. Hoja Parroquial.
Heraldo Catolico.
"It has been reported that a number of religious leaders or
believers have been subjected to intimidating treatment, attacks by
storm-troopers, or arbitrary arrests. The following cases of attacks by
semi-official organizations on Catholic priests and lay workers have been
reported:
"(a) 21 June 1982s
'Turbas Divinas' attacked Mgr. (name provided)
in the Church of Santa Rosa of Managua;
"(b)
14 August 1982: 'Turbas Divinas' attacked Mgr. (name provided);