60 Year Old Man Killed by Military During Honduran Protests
Riot policemen stand next to a water canon amid tear gas during a protest against the re-election of Honduran President Hernandez in Tegucigalpa
Military forces opened fire on protesters in Honduras killing a 60-year-old man and severely wounding another, according to the non-government organization, Committee of the Families of Detained and Disappeared of Honduras (COFADEH).
The killing happened just outside of the town of Saba, about 210 km northeast of the capital city of Tegucigalpa. Protesters, a few throwing rocks, have been met with tear gas and guns since demonstrations reignited yesterday.
Among those taking part in the protest is former Honduran president Manuel Zelaya.
Zelaya, as coordinator general of the Opposition Alliance, is one of the main organizers of the protests and a week-long nationwide strike that began yesterday against the reelection of the right-wing presidential incumbent, Juan Orlando Hernandez.
"We have to stay in the streets," Zelaya, tells reporters. Hondurans are blocking roads and highways, and burning tires in protest.
The Opposition Alliance continues to call the Nov. 26 presidential election a fraud and its candidate, Salvador Nasralla says the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) “stole” the elections from him on behalf of Hernandez and his ruling party - National Party.
Nasralla and his supporters refuse to acknowledge the TSE announcement naming Hernandez president and plan to protest until Jan. 27 when Hernandez is sworn in.
As part of the nationwide boycott, Nasralla and his team are urging Hondurans not to use public transportation, banks or pay tolls this week. The opposition is also calling on Hondurans to boycott several U.S.-based restaurant chains including Wendy’s, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s and Denny’s, which are owned by families that support Hernandez.
Reuters reports that 12 people have been arrested in this new round of national demonstrations.
COFADEH reports that during December at least 31 people were killed protesting the election results and another 232 injured - mainly at the hands of the military and national police.
The organization also says that 1,085 people were victims of "cruel, inhumane and degrading" behavior by state authorities.
"If they move us from one spot, we have to move to another. We need to be permanently mobilized to keep up the pressure and prevent the dictator from installing himself," says Zelaya.
United Nations spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell is urging the Honduran government, led by President Juan Orlando Hernandez, to adhere to international human rights law in policing demonstrators.
In a special session this morning, Congress met to swear in congress member and National Party representative, Mauricio Oliva as assembly president. The National Party continues its congressional majority rule following its Nov. 26 elections.
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