Tuberville meets with Alabama missionary group under attack from Nicaraguan government

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) announced on Wednesday that he met with Jon Britton "Britt" and Audrey Hancock, the founders of Mountain Gateway, a Christian missionary organization that has served in North and Central America for more than a decade that has recently come under attack by the Nicaraguan government.

In December, 11 pastors and missionaries affiliated with Mountain Gateway were arrested by the Nicaraguan government following a widely attended worship service. Additionally, it is believed that the Nicaraguan government has issued arrest warrants for at least three American citizens affiliated with Mountain Gateway.

Part of the letter to the letter to the ambassador from Alabama's delegation reads, "Religious freedom is a fundamental human right, and we urge you and the government of Nicaragua to take prompt action to address all violations of this right--in upholding international human rights standards. As Members of the United States Congress, we have a vested interest in both the upholding of international religious freedom, and the safety and security of the American citizens we understand are currently being targeted for arrest and extradition by the Nicaraguan government."

"They've essentially shut down everybody that was there trying to help the country and kicked them out," Hancock previously told 1819 News. "You can see their history of religious persecution. Their history is very apparent and you know it. From being on the ground for 11 years now in Nicaragua, I can clearly say that the pervasive atmosphere and thoughts around everyone in Nicaragua is they have to be extremely careful about what they say and how they act in reference to how they are interacting with the government or people in law enforcement."

Mountain Gateway's property has also been seized, including 47 vehicles and a 122-acre coffee bean farm that provides jobs for locals. Arrest warrants have also been filed for Hancock, his son and his daughter-in-law.