Statement on Violence in Nicaragua
Statement on Violence in NicaraguaThe University of Scranton joins with sister Jesuit universities from across the world in condemning the acts of violence perpetrated against peaceful protesters in Nicaragua in recent weeks. We add our voice to those joining with Father José Alberto Idiáquez S.J., Rector of the Central American University (UCA) of Nicaragua, in a call for peaceful negotiations to end this conflict. We call upon the Nicaraguan government to honor the constitutional rights of its citizens, starting with freedom of expression and peaceful protest.
News reports chronicling the violence and more than 100 deaths associated with this crisis have been alarming, as have the death threats issued against Father Idiáquez for advocating for peaceful negotiations between anti-government protestors and the regime of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. Yet Father Idiáquez’s courage has been unwavering in his efforts to expose injustice and to care for students and the people of Nicaragua.
As a Jesuit and Catholic university, UCA of Nicaragua has the mission to inspire in students a commitment to justice. At Scranton, we too share this mission and pray for a peaceful solution to end this crisis that recognizes, respects and protects the rights of Nicaraguan citizens.
Sincerely,
Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S. J.
Interim President
News reports chronicling the violence and more than 100 deaths associated with this crisis have been alarming, as have the death threats issued against Father Idiáquez for advocating for peaceful negotiations between anti-government protestors and the regime of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. Yet Father Idiáquez’s courage has been unwavering in his efforts to expose injustice and to care for students and the people of Nicaragua.
As a Jesuit and Catholic university, UCA of Nicaragua has the mission to inspire in students a commitment to justice. At Scranton, we too share this mission and pray for a peaceful solution to end this crisis that recognizes, respects and protects the rights of Nicaraguan citizens.
Sincerely,
Rev. Herbert B. Keller, S. J.
Interim President
