Ortega restricts traditional Easter celebrations in Nicaragua

Roman Catholics in Nicaragua have had to hold traditional “Stations of the Cross” and other Holy Week processions on church grounds or inside churches amid a ban on public demonstrations.

Relations between autocratic President Daniel Ortega and the church have frayed to near non-existence since Nicaragua’s government proposed severing relations and sentenced a bishop to 26 years in prison.

Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes told The Associated Press that celebrations were held throughout the country “near the churches.”