Anti-Militarism: News & Updates

We are outraged over the continued detention of human rights defender Edwin Robelo Espinal in La Tolva prison, located in Morocelí, El Paraíso Department, and the horrific conditions that exist in this military-run maximum security prison. Arrested January 19, he is one of more than 20 political prisoners being detained in prisons throughout Honduras.

death threats against journalist Marco Antonio Cornel, reporting on involvement of police in Chilpancingo, Guerrero, in the disappearance and torture of six men; two found dead Jorge Arturo Vázquez Campos (age 30) and Marcos Catalán Cabrera (age 34), two remain missing Abel Aguilar García (age 18) and Efraín Patrón Ramos (age 25)

bombing and forced displacement of members of the Wounaan Indigenous reservation of Chagpien Tordó during armed clashes between the Colombian Army and the ELN (National Liberation Army) in Litoral de San Juán, Chocó Department.

repressive actions by state security forces against pro-democracy demonstrators. Beaten: Diego Aguilar López and Wilmer Paredes (killed 2 weeks later) of MADJ (Broad Movement for Justice and Dignity). Public smear campaign against MADJ members Martín Fernándezand Víctor Fernández, social activists Karina Flores and Araminta Pereira, and Jesuit priest Fr. Ismael Moreno Coto (Radio Progreso).

killing of two members of indigenous community police force (CRAC-PC) by unknown attackers in Cacahuatepec, Guerrero; subsequent crackdown on the community by state and federal police and the army, killing three CRAC-PC members, detaining 30 CRAC-PC members, along with environmental defenders Marco Antonio Suástegi Muñoz and Vicente Suástegi Muñoz of CECOP (Council of Communal Lands and Communities Opposing the La Parota Dam).

violent crackdown by Honduran military against TV journalists covering Opposition Alliance demonstration in Tegucigalpa; injured: Cesar Silva, Rony Martinez, Pedro Amador, Claudia Mendoza. Congressional representative Jari Dixon also beaten.

violent attack on members of the Peace Community of San José de Apartadó in Antioquia Department, injuring legal representative Germán Graciano Posso; threats by neo-paramilitaries to attack again soon.

assassinations of social leaders across the country, Dec 4-18: Alfonso Giraldo Valencia, member of FENSUAGRO (United Agricultural Workers Federation) , Putumayo Dept; Oscar Pai Pascal, indigenous leader, Nariño Dept.; Jhon Jairo Ortiz Betancur, former FARC member, Antioquia Dept.; Alexander José Padilla Cruz, member of National Coordinator of Coca, Poppy and Marijuana Growers (COCCAM), Córdoba Dept.; José Rafael de la Hoz Villa, peasant farmer and rural activist, Magdalena Dept.; Alfonso Pérez Mellizo, community leader, Cauca Dept.

violent repression of protests following the disputed presidential election on November 26, illegal raids, damaged facilities, threats and persecution of members of human rights organizations, including COPINH (Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras), MADJ (Movimiento Amplio por la Dignidad y La Justicia), and Arcoiris ( LGBT Rainbow Association)

unjust arrest and criminalization of campseino leaders in the Aguán Valley, Colón Department, including Sindy Ramos, Vilma Rosa, Deysi Rosa, Elsy Rosa, Kenia Rosa and Raquel Méndez.