On Friday, U.S. Rep Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) introduced a resolution condemning the imprisonment of 11 pastors in Nicaragua on what Moore says are trumped-up charges. U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Jerry Carl (R-Mobile), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and Chip Roy (R-Texas) joined the resolution.
Moore noted that the pastors had been locked up for over a month now and that they had been denied to seek legal counsel or see their families. He also showed a picture of some of the children, who are U.S. citizens, that the Nicaraguan government had orphaned due to arresting their parents.
“The unjust imprisonment of these pastors, who have dedicated their lives to sharing the Gospel, has left families without income and children without parents," said Moore.
"Their religious rights are being grossly violated," he added. "I am praying for these pastors and their families, and I call on the Nicaraguan government to take immediate action and release them so they can be reunited with their families."
I wanted to provide an update on the eleven pastors imprisoned on trumped up charges in Nicaragua.
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) February 15, 2024
I ask for their immediate release, and hope you'll join me in praying for them and their families. pic.twitter.com/vVHCWulswl
Carl said in a statement, "I am fighting for these Christians who have been wrongfully imprisoned for sharing the gospel to be freed."
"I have demanded Secretary Blinken engage in this matter," he continued. "I have joined several of my colleagues in expressing our concern to the Nicaraguan Ambassador regarding these violations of religious freedom that must be addressed.”
Palmer called the Nicaragua government's actions "unacceptable."
"The actions taken by Nicaragua towards the Mountain Gateway missionaries are unacceptable and a violation of religious freedom and human rights," he stated. "These missionaries should be freed immediately. I am proud to join Congressman Moore in holding the Nicaraguan Government accountable and fighting to protect Americans and religious freedom."
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