Father "Melo" is receiving death threats

SAN PEDRO SULA .- Father Ismael Moreno, director of  the Reflection, Research and Communication Team (ERIC) of the Society of Jesus, has been obliged to take refuge in secrecy because he is the subject of death threats. Moreno, who since June 28, 2009 is critical of human rights violations carried out by police and military, has received death threats via mail and calls, for giving protection to Irma Melissa Villanueva.   On August 14th, police and soldiers violently attacked people who were demonstrating against the  Roberto Micheletti de facto regime.  A photographer of DIARIO TIEMPO and a journalist from Radio Progreso were amongst those assaulted.   During that day, Irma Melissa Villanueva reported that four policemen, after savagely beating her, sexually assaulted her between some bushes.   Human rights groups and feminists, like the Collective of Honduran Women (CODEMUH), reported that four police "executed the rape by vaginal intercourse and through the introduction of a phallic object, such as the baton. With the same baton,  she  and other colleagues were cruelly beaten "at the time of arrest.   Eric and CODEMUH have said that judicial authorities have not acted against the police and have criticized the Government for maintaining in  high positions  the leaders who led the crackdown against members of  the Front of Resistance Against the Coup. Since August last year,  father "Melo", as he is called by his friends, has remained in contact with the victim (Villanueva) because of the "Christian commitment in situations requiring humanitarian accompaniment," according to a statement released today by the Jesuits of Honduras. Valentín Menéndez, superior of the Jesuits in El Progreso, avoided reporters yesterday, according to Radio Progreso journalists contacted by DIARIO TIEMPO - providing information on the situation of the father.   Due to the constant threats received in recent weeks, Moreno, also director of Radio Progreso, had to change mobile number. The Jesuits of Honduras have reported that Gerardo Chévez, a reporter for that  radio station, like Moreno, has received threats and intimidation.   On April 17th, the Jesuits denounced both cases  to the Special Prosecutor for Human Rights. Now they are   calling  upon national and international agencies to stay alert. Source: http://www.tiempo.hn/web2/index.php/secciones/el-pais/14676-el-padre-melo-esta-amenazado-de-muerte.html