Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: September 6, 2025
A few weeks ago, we asked you to pray for a Nicaraguan pastor and seven of his family and friends, who were unjustly arrested in July.
With sadness we update you that one of the men, Mauricio Alonso Prieto Sr, has died in detention.
Mauricio was a political activist and friend of Pastor Rudy Palacios Vargos, who is thought to be the principal target of the co-ordinated police operation that began on 17 July.
Mauricio was detained in the early hours of 18 July, along with his wife and adult son who shares his name. While his wife was released the same day, Mauricio and his son were held incommunicado alongside Pastor Palacios Vargos and others connected to him.
Though no news of their whereabouts has been provided to their family members, the group of eight people were believed to have been transferred to ‘La Granja’ – a notoriously overcrowded maximum-security prison. After a fast-tracked virtual hearing, they were charged with treason and conspiracy.
Mauricio tragically passed away whilst being subjected to a grave injustice at the hands of the Nicaraguan authorities. We extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and call for answers about what led to his death in custody.
Please pray:
- That the Lord would draw near to Mauricio Alonso Prieto’s family and loved ones today.
- That the Nicaraguan authorities will provide full and detailed information as to what led to Mauricio’s death in custody and hold those responsible to account.
- For extensive reparations to be made to his widow.
- For the immediate, unconditional release of Mauricio’s son, and all the prisoners held unjustly in Nicaragua. Pray for their protection amid the inhumane prison conditions.
Who is Pastor Rudy Palacios Vargos?
Pastor Palacios Vargas is the founder of La Roca de Nicaragua Association. The church became a target after the pastor spoke out against the Nicaraguan government’s use of violence against peaceful protestors. At least three church members were killed in July 2018, and Pastor Palacios Vargas was forced to flee the country after receiving threats. He later returned to Nicaragua following a cancer diagnosis.
The pastor has been under close police supervision since returning to Nicaragua – essentially amounting to house arrest.
As well as Pastor Palacios Vargas, the following remain in prison since the July raids:
- Arely Palacios Vargas and Jéssica Palacios Vargas (the pastor’s sisters).
- Pedro José López and Armando José Bermudez Mojica, husbands to Arely and Jéssica, respectively (Pastor Rudy’s brothers-in-law).
- Mauricio Alonso Prieto Jr (son of Mauricio Sr) who is part of the worship team at Pastor Rudy’s church.
- Olga María Lara Rojas, a former political councillor and family friend of Pastor Rudy. She is a Protestant Christian but attends a different church.