Nicaragua’s government has prohibited the ordination of new Catholic priests and deacons in several dioceses, a move church leaders say intensifies pressure on religious communities in the country.

Having deported four bishops for their criticism of the regime, the Nicaraguan dictator seeks to punish them further by not allowing any ordinations in their dioceses.

Nicaragua is a giant prison—even outside La Modelo jail there is no freedom; UN experts urge a Red Cross presence.