In Honduras: Systematic Repression

WEDNESDAY 02 DECEMBER 2009 12:10

"Everywhere we see high levels of militarization, intimidation and repression against the leaders and specifically identified with the National Front of Resistance Against the Coup," said in a press conference delegates from organizations Quixote Center and the Alliance Continental.

images

The observer group consists of about 20 U.S. and Canadian citizens who came to Honduras to observe the human rights situation under the electoral process, convened by the de facto government.

In the press conference, the observer group reported that they visited several regions, including Comayagua, Siguatepeque, Large Grass, Tocoa, Choluteca, Santa Rosa de Copan, San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, where they heard testimonies of persistent and systematic repression against the population in general and especially against the leaders of the resistance.

Reported that five of the observers were affected by tear gas on two occasions, after a strong police and military repression in the peaceful demonstration held in San Pedro Sula on 29 November.

That day also saw as the repressive forces fired pepper gas against more than 500 people through a water cannon. They also noted that at least 38 people were arrested and brutally beaten, with many of them able to speak after his arrest.

In his report to the journalists said they have data on arrests of youth and social leaders as well as intimidation, criminal threats and threats of withdrawal of community projects such as water distribution, against people who refused to vote or blackmail made with money and other means to force them to go to the polls.

Another who reported irregularities, was the closure of court premises where actions stand for human rights such as habeas corpus action.

"We are concerned that not only is a violation of due process and the same Constitution of the Republic, but also a serious crisis of governability, as most of the crimes being committed right now are political in nature and against population that is in resistance, "he said.

As for the elections held on November 29 indicate that "despite the low turnout at the polls in all parts of the country, the de facto government is proclaiming percentages above 60 percent," that's contrast with the data from the Front National Resistance believes that he walks in 21.5 percent.

They appealed to President Barack Obama, State Department and across government of the United States not to recognize the electoral process nor the results thereof, as doing so would be to support the illegitimate regime and against the will of Honduran people, due process and democracy building.

Data from defensoresenlinea.com Note revistazo.com [see note]