Honduran civil leaders denounce intimidation and fraudulent elections

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Honduran labor and civil leaders embarked today on a “Honduran Justice Tour” around Los Angeles to decry the human rights violations, threats and violence they say the de facto government of Roberto Michelletti is inflicting on those who support President Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted June 28th in a military-backed coup.

“There’s a lot of fear. For me there is no normal life,” said Iris Munguia, coordinator of women’s programs with the Coalition of Latin American Banana Unions, who was arrested and detained by police for several hours after taking part on one of the many massive demonstrations held in support of Zelaya.

Munguia and the rest of the leaders visiting Los Angeles, all part of the Coordination of the Movement for Dignity and Justice, say they are asking for a boycott of the Nov. 29th presidential elections, which they call a “farce.”

“These are not legitimate elections because they happen in the middle of a coup,” said lawyer Sarah Janet Aguilar, another member of the movement.

Aguilar says the elections would only “legitimize” the unconstitutional removal of Zelaya as president.

The week-long visit to Los Angeles takes place just days after a deal to end the crisis fell through.

— Francisco Castro/HOY

To read the full story in Spanish this Friday, visit http://www.vivelohoy.com/losangeles