U.S. makes fresh call for jailed Nicaraguan bishop's release

FILE PHOTO: Rolando Alvarez, Bishop of the Diocese of Matagalpa and a critic of the Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, prays at Managua's Catholic church, Nicaragua May 20, 2022. REUTERS/Maynor Valenzuela/File Photo

MANAGUA (Reuters) - U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols on Monday put fresh pressure on Nicaragua to release an anti-government bishop condemned last week to a 26-year prison sentence.

The sentencing of Rolando Alvarez, 56, Bishop of Matagalpa and one of the most influential leaders of the country's Catholic Church, came after more than 200 political prisoners in Nicaragua were released and flown to the United States last Thursday in what Washington described as a "constructive step" toward improving human rights.