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For Immediate Release
June, 30 2009, 11:14am EDT
Contact:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7413 5566,After hours: +44 7778 472 126,Email:,press@amnesty.org
Honduras: Security Forces must respect human rights
As further demonstrations by supporters
of ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya are expected to take place
later today, Amnesty International is urging the security forces to
"refrain from using excessive force against protesters and ensure the
safety of those participating in the demonstrations."
"We are concerned for the safety of protesters," said Kerrie Howard, Americas Deputy Director at Amnesty International.
LONDON
As further demonstrations by supporters
of ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya are expected to take place
later today, Amnesty International is urging the security forces to
"refrain from using excessive force against protesters and ensure the
safety of those participating in the demonstrations."
"We are concerned for the safety of protesters," said Kerrie Howard, Americas Deputy Director at Amnesty International.
"Failure to allow demonstrators to express their opinions peacefully
would only fuel an already fragile situation, said Kerrie Howard.
Amnesty International's call to the security forces comes after
supporters of President Zelaya clashed with the military in the context
of demonstrations that took place on Monday night. According to media
reports, several protesters were injured.
A number of trade unions across Honduras have announced an
indefinite strike commencing on Tuesday in support of the ousted
President.
Zelaya has announced he will return to Honduras on Thursday. Jose
Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American
States, has offered to accompany him.
Political turmoil in the Central American country commenced after
President Zelaya was detained by the military and forcibly exiled from
the country on Sunday. Roberto Micheletti, Congress speaker, has been
sworn in as "Interim President".
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.
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