Unusual, Legislative Deputy Climbs Monumento Nacional to Bring Attention to the Church Closings Situation
Unusual. That is the best word to describe
the actions of Legislative Deputy, Carlos Avendaño, who climed the "Monumento
Nacional" (National Monument) to demonstrate the massive closings by the
Ministerio de Salud (Health Ministry) of "Christian" churches.
Avendaño (of the Restauración Nacional party) made the decision for the
unusual move following a telephone conversation with the Defensor de los
Habitantes (Ombudsman), José Manuel Enchandi, who is reported to try
dissuade the man from climbing the monument.
"This is trampling and violation of human rights. Why don't they close
bars and whore houses as fast as the Christian churches? There is a
persecution in Costa Rica and I will stay here as long as necessary as I
have a duty to my constituents", were the words of Avendaño to
reporters.
According to the Ministry of Health, they have closed some 15 Christian
churces and are in the process of closing a similar amount. The straw
that broke the camel's back as the closing of the Siloé church in Cinco
Esquinas de Tibás last Thursday.
The churches are being shut down for various reasons, lack of proper
parking, boundary problems - some the churches infringed on neighbouring
properties - and lack of emergency exits and other concerns for public
safety.
Avendaño was adamant that he would stay on the monument for the time
necessary to bring this issue to light, following his constant complaint
about the church closings. Enchandi, acting as mediator, negotiated a
truce that would see a temporary stop to the church closings and that
each church would inspected following Semana Santa.
Rescue workers - Red Cross and firefighters - along with the Fuerza
Publica (police) were on the scene at all times while Avendaño stayed on
the monument under one hour.
Walter Navarro, chief of police, said the actions of the deputy were
unusual but did not contravene any laws as there was no alteration in
the public order, he did not block traffic or cause any concerns of
public safety at any time.
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Foto:
Diario Extra and Prensa Libre
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