Another day, Additional detentions
Thursday, September 24, 2009
In brief, here are some of the things we saw and learned throughout the day.
Nicaragua Libre
Nicaragua Libre has been working since 1983 to build a policy of peace and friendship between the people of the United States and Nicaragua.
March in Tegucigalpa Today
There is a “white march” planned for today in Tegucigalpa. Reports are that military infiltrators who are experts in assault and assasination are in the march with the intent of killing Zelaya. Our delegation will try to “observe” this march.
An Act of War?
Brazil has announced that if the coup regime does not stop the sound terrorism (detonation of loud booms that provoke hysteria) and lift the military cordon they will consider it an act of war.
Mass at the Embassy, Curfew lifted
Padre Tamayo is celebrating mass in the Brazilian Embassy this morning. The curfew has been lifted.
Tension in Tegucigalpa
Report from Quixote Center Accompaniment Delegation September 21-23
Political Persecutions And Detention * Excessive Use Of Force By Police And Military * State Of Emergency: People Lacking Food And Water After 42 Hour Curfew * Police State
By Patty Adams
Democratically-elected Honduran President Manuel Zelaya, deposed by a military coup on June 28, returned clandestinely to Tegucigalpa, appearing at the Brazilian Embassy around mid-day on Monday, September 21. As word of his arrival spread, thousands of Hondurans who’ve been calling for his return began to assemble outside the Embassy to celebrate, catch a glimpse, and show their support.
Honduran Delegation Report: Tuesday, September 22
Our delegation in Honduras sent this report regarding yesterday’s events. Please take action by emailing President Obama and Sec. Clinton and demand they denounce the military violence and human rights violatons occuring in Honduras.
Early Tuesday morning police and military forces violently dispersed a peaceful gathering in front of the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa, where thousands of Hondurans had gathered yesterday to celebrate the appearance of president Manuel Zelaya in the country.
Resistance as well as violent repression continue
Thousands gathered today at the Universidad Pedagógica to renew their resistance. There are still reports of shootings, beatings, torture, and illegal detainment. The president of INFOP was shot in the head and is gravely wounded. Partners report that acoustic devices loud enough to cause damage to the ears are being used outside the Brazilian embassy.
Repression at Embassy
Here is another testimony taken by a member of our International Witness Delegation.
Lilian, a 46-year old resident of Tegucigalpa, was in the region of the Brazilian Embassy yesterday, along with hundreds of others, celebrating democratically-elected president Mel Zelaya’s return. At about 5:30am, members of the police and military came to displace the assembly.
One Story of Last Night's Repression
Twenty-four year-old Eric was participating in his Tegucigalpa neighborhood’s protest last night when the nonviolent gathering was attacked by police. He was beaten with police batons before being detained for two hours along with a nineteen year-old compañero.
Police continued to beat Eric after he was detained. “They made us put our hands flat on chairs so they could beat them,” he said. He heard police talking among themselves about killing them.
Curfew Extended; 7.5 Million Effectively Under House Arrest
They’ve declared another full-day curfew today, which is disastrous for most people, who need to work every day for income, and who therefore buy food on a day-to-day basis. People are calling into television and radio stations saying they don’t have any food in their houses, and in some neighborhoods the water has been cut, too. One woman just called in and said that her mom is diabetic and hasn’t had insulin in three days. Even if these individuals decide to defy curfew, as many are doing, the stores and markets are closed.