UN calls on Nicaragua to end repression after church attacks

The UN called Tuesday on the Nicaraguan government of President Daniel Ortega to halt persistent repression after his supporters stormed Managua’s Catholic cathedral and another church to attack protesting opposition hunger strikers.

A pro-government mob broke in on Monday and injured a priest and a nun while attempting to dislodge activists demanding the release of political prisoners, church authorities in Managua said.

The Catholic Church has a powerful role in the country but President Daniel Ortega has accused bishops of supporting deadly anti-government protests that rocked the country last year.

The priest and nun were attacked when they attempted to block the group from taking control of the cathedral, according to an archdiocese statement.