Nicaragua has revoked the registration of 1,500 non-profit organizations, including over 400 religious groups, as part of an ongoing crackdown by President Daniel Ortega’s government.

The organizations were accused of failing to report financial statements for up to 35 years.

This move follows the recent cancellation of the Diocese of Matagalpa’s Caritas, led by government critic Bishop Rolando Alvarez.

Civil liberties have significantly diminished under Ortega, with opposition leaders, journalists, and activists arrested, and widespread protests violently suppressed, CNN has reported.

The UN has expressed “grave concern” over Nicaragua’s deteriorating human rights situation.

Written by B.C. Begley