Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs of the House Committee on Appropriations, honored Nicaraguan Bishop Silvio Báez with the prestigious Democracy Service Medal at the National Endowment for Democracy's Awards Ceremony. The ceremony recognized Bishop Báez's courageous work in advocating for religious freedom in Nicaragua under the repressive Ortega regime.
In his remarks, Congressman Díaz-Balart expressed his gratitude to the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and its dedicated staff for their efforts to promote freedom and human rights around the world. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by individuals who have fought for freedom and stated, "These heroes are at the forefront of my mind as I fulfill my role in Congress."
Congressman Díaz-Balart praised Bishop Silvio Báez for his bravery in demanding freedom in Nicaragua and the severe consequences he faced as a result. He highlighted the oppressive grip of the Ortega regime, which has stripped clergy, religious schools, charitable organizations, and even Mother Teresa's order of their legal status. Many leaders have been imprisoned or forced into exile due to their advocacy for religious freedom.
Bishop Silvio Báez, who was ordained bishop in Managua in 2009, was forced to leave Nicaragua in 2019 due to death threats. Congressman Díaz-Balart emphasized that the Ortega regime cannot tolerate the power of faith to challenge its claim to absolute authority.
In conclusion, Congressman Díaz-Balart stated, "The people of Nicaragua will be free, and it will be due to the relentless courage, faith, and work of individuals such as Bishop Báez."
The Democracy Service Medal presented to Bishop Silvio Báez serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to promoting religious freedom and democracy in Nicaragua. The ceremony at the National Endowment for Democracy's Awards Ceremony highlighted the importance of standing up for human rights and the fight against repressive regimes.
For more information, you can watch Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart's remarks on this important occasion.
Click this link to access more information: https://mariodiazbalart.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/diaz-balart-presents-democracy-service-medal-nicaraguan-bishop-silvio
Alerts Sign-up