Hi,Pastor Efrén Antonio Vílchez López is serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. He is four years into a 23-year sentence on trumped-up charges – despite CCTV evidence proving his alibi. The authorities simply want to silence him. Pastor Efrén was targeted because of his history of criticising the Nicaraguan government. During demonstrations in 2018, he published statements condemning the use of violence against protesters. Now he is held in a maximum-security facility where prison officials refuse to pass on packages with food and essential medicines. Pastor Efrén is diabetic and needs daily insulin. He is rarely allowed to go outside, and his Bible has been confiscated. This is unjust, and it must not be ignored. Will you give £4 to help us respond when people are targeted for their beliefs? Since his detention, we have raised Pastor Efrén’s case with the UN Human Rights Council. We also submitted his case details to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, after which he was added to their Freedom of Religion or Belief victims’ list – an important recognition of his unjust situation. And over 1,000 of you signed our petition demanding his release, which we delivered to Nicaraguan embassies in 11 different countries last month. Thank you for showing them that the world is watching. Pastor Efrén chose to speak up for targeted communities. Will you continue to stand with him? Together, we can continue the crucial work of advocating for those who are being targeted for their beliefs. | ||
Pastor Efren’s case is one of many. As I shared recently, we are also continuing to stand with seven church leaders in Eritrea who have been imprisoned for over 20 years, without charge. In every case – whether in Nicaragua, Eritrea, or elsewhere – persistent advocacy matters. Because of supporters like you, these cases are known. These names are not forgotten. And, as we’ve seen before, that continued pressure can make a real difference. Thank you for standing with them. With every blessing, | ||
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