GOP Rep. Demands Answers from Biden Administration on Imprisoned Catholic Priest: 26 Years of Innocence

Republican Congressman Chris Smith is demanding answers from Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding the wrongful imprisonment of Catholic priest Rolando Álvarez Lagos in Nicaragua. Álvarez, who was sentenced to over 26 years in prison for alleged treason, refused to be exiled to the United States and remains detained by the Ortega-Murillo regime. Smith is seeking information on the Biden administration's efforts to secure Álvarez's release and is calling for action to address the overall state of religious freedom in Nicaragua. The congressman also raised questions about the State Department's involvement and economic ties with Nicaragua in light of human rights abuses.