Granada, Nicaragua, Jun 4, 2018 / 15:54 pm
Nicaraguan police have ended a day-long seige against a church after Catholic leaders intervened to release an estimated 30 opposition supporters taking refuge inside.
The negotiations were aided by Father Edwing Roman, a local priest in Masaya, and Dr. Álvaro Leiva, a human rights lawyer. The Auxiliary Bishop of Managua, Monsignor Silvio Jose Báez, applauded the two men's efforts.
"Free detainees in Masaya thanks to the good offices of Fr. Edwin Roman and Dr. Alvaro Leiva. Now in the parish house of the San Miguel parish, the injured continue to be attended to," he tweeted on June 2.
Some 30 people had been seeking safe haven from riot-police and pro-government forces at San Miguel Church in Masaya. Before the refugees were released, doctors were given permission to treat the wounded opposition supporters. Two people have been reported dead.