Argentinian pastor Marcelo Nieva continues to face intimidation and threats, despite the 24/7 presence of the National Gendarmerie outside his church building, it was reported at the end of May.
The federal police office is currently assessing two court cases involving Nieva and his Pueblo Grande Baptist Church, although both have stalled in recent months. The first relates to an attempt on Nieva’s life in October 2014. The second is an appeal for justice relating to his claims that his church has suffered four years of religious persecution at the hands of the local authorities. After months without progress, the church is still awaiting a date for the next court hearing.
Denounced by public figures
Nieva said in 2014 that his church had been denounced by politicians, the police and local newspapers as a ‘controversial sect’ following the introduction in Córdoba state of Argentina’s Law 9891, which claims to exist to ‘achieve early detection and prevention of any situation of psychological manipulation, and to provide assistance to victims of manipulation’. However, Nieva said, the law has been abused and applied to legitimate religious organisations, such as his church, which is recognised by Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship.
