Nicaragua protests: Thousands of people support the Catholic Church

Thousands of anti-government protesters in Nicaragua took part in a march to show their support for the Roman Catholic Church.

The government accuses the Catholic bishops of having rallied to the opposition and of encouraging demonstrations.

Supporters of other faiths and non-believers joined the march in the capital, Managua.

More than 300 people have died since protests against President Daniel Ortega began in April.

"Justice!" and "Freedom!" Some of the slogans were chanted by protesters.

"Our temples will always be open to those in need," said Monsignor Carlos Avilés
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Reuters

"The Church will continue to support the dialogue, even though it is criticized for that," he added.

The Catholic Church of Nicaragua acts as a mediator in the talks between the opposition and the government.

She called for an end to the violence on both sides, but criticized the way the authorities handled the unrest.

Some bishops have accused the authorities of human rights violations.

Government supporters organized a rival march elsewhere in Managua.

The demonstrations were triggered by cuts in pensions and social security on April 18.

But after the police cracked down on the demonstration and killed several university students, protesters began to demand the resignation of Mr. Ortega

The former 72-year-old Sandinista rebel leader has been in power since 2007.

He rejected calls for resignation. Mr Ortega said he was democratically elected and that he will complete his term, which will end in 2022.

Government supporters say the economy has developed regularly since the coming to power of the Sandinists 11 years ago.

to stir up unrest in order to destabilize Mr. Ortega's government.