Since the first day of the military coup, 29th June 2009, the media policy of the coup regime has been to try to present the image of absolute normality. The enormous protest marches are a simple expression of some lunatics who have lost contact with reality.
Following the international condemnation, the principal media have abandoned the country. The continuing mobilisations by social, popular, and trade union organisations aren't news. The international community seems unwilling to pass from words and proclamations to concrete facts. It remains tied to a mediation process that has no future, that depends on the ambiguity of the US government and that is part of the process of normalisation of the coup.
The international silence has opened the doors to a harsh repression against the popular organisation that continue to demand the restoration of constitutional order, and as always it is the women who are most vulnerable. Women involved in the resistence are subjected to sexual violence and insults.
But the protests have continued, and the response has been ever harsher repression. On 22nd September, Feminists in Resistance, who have taken an active part in the resistance from the first day, have published this appeal. :
By this means Feministas en Resistencia denounce the brutal repression that has been committed today against the people who had peacefully gathered outside the Brazilian Embassy in Honduras, on learning that President Manuel Zelaya had taken refuge there. The people were attacked in the early morning hours with hot gases, water and a device that emits a deafening noise. Some people were injured and had to be taken to hospital. Yesterday the de facto government declared a nationwide curfew beginning at 4:00 pm, when most of the Honduran workers are still at their jobs. The curfew lasted until today at 7:00 am. In the meantime, the government announced a new curfew from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm. of today. We want to inform as widely as possible that we fear for our lives due to the steady and progressive aggression shown by the army against the people that demand the restoration of the constitutional order. |
In recent days, the situation in Honduras has worsened. On September 28 a decree was enacted that permits arrests and searches without charges or warrants, and which abrogates the rights of freedom of assembly, freedom of movement, freedom of the press, and freedom of speech.
Canale 36 and Radio Globo were closed down on 29th after the de facto governent issued a decree suspending 6 articles of the constitution for a period of 45 days. The two stations were invaded by the armed forces and police at 5.30am. Files and equipment were seized from Radio Globo. Canale 36 was surrounded by the army and transmissions were blocked. Some journalists had to escape through the windows.
The decree authorises the closure of "any media that threatens peace and public order" or that "attacks the human dignity of public officials or decisions of the government.” It calls for the arrest of "persons considered suspect" adding that they must be taken to "legally established detention centres"
It is said that the government has ordered the arrest of activists and their detention in the stadium.
Hundreds of soldiers dispersed a demonstration at the Francisco Morazán National Pedagogic University, where hundreds of people had gathered to march towards the Brazilian embassy. Soldiers were deployed in key points of Tegucigalpa and in the entire country to stop people attempting to go to the demonstration.
For further information: Ni Golpe de Estado, Ni Golpes Contra Las Mujeres
