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.
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.
Padre Tamayo is celebrating mass in the Brazilian Embassy this morning. The curfew has been lifted.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is an excellent video summary of the situation in Honduras.
