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For Immediate Release
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Honduras: Human Rights and Rule of Law at Serious Risk

Amnesty International said that Honduran
President Manuel Zelaya must be able to return to Honduras immediately,
without conditions and safely.

"The forced removal of President Zelaya places human rights and the
rule of law in serious danger," said Kerrie Howard, Americas Deputy
director at Amnesty International.

The organization fears that human rights and political activists who
support or are seen to support President Zelaya may be arbitrarily
detained in the context of the political turmoil and expressed concerns
about their safety.

LONDON

Amnesty International said that Honduran
President Manuel Zelaya must be able to return to Honduras immediately,
without conditions and safely.

"The forced removal of President Zelaya places human rights and the
rule of law in serious danger," said Kerrie Howard, Americas Deputy
director at Amnesty International.

The organization fears that human rights and political activists who
support or are seen to support President Zelaya may be arbitrarily
detained in the context of the political turmoil and expressed concerns
about their safety.

"We would consider those detained because of their criticism of the
forced removal and forced exile of President Zelaya as prisoners of
conscience," said Kerrie Howard.

Amnesty International is also concerned at reports suggesting that
TV channels have been closed and restrictions placed on mass media
communications, preventing people from learning about developments in
their country.

Amnesty International urged the Honduran authorities to fully
respect human rights and fundamental freedoms; to immediately release
any government officials and political activists who may be currently
detained; to refrain from further arbitrary detentions and to guarantee
that political opponents and human rights defenders are able to carry
out their legitimate activities without fear of reprisal.

Background Information
Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was detained by Honduran military
personnel and forced into exile. Several government ministers are also
reported to have been detained. Roberto Micheletti, Congress speaker,
has been sworn in as "Interim President". Mr Micheletti has imposed a
two-night long curfew.

Amnesty International is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights for all. Our supporters are outraged by human rights abuses but inspired by hope for a better world - so we work to improve human rights through campaigning and international solidarity. We have more than 2.2 million members and subscribers in more than 150 countries and regions and we coordinate this support to act for justice on a wide range of issues.