Honduras: Curfew to be Lifted
NEWS STORY | UPDATED: September 24, 2009
PHOTO: ACT International
TEGUCIGALPA, HONDURAS (ACT) — The interim government of Honduras says it will suspend the curfew it imposed on Monday when ousted President Manuel Zelaya made a dramatic return home. Military and police have been deployed against demonstrators who had gathered inside and outside the Brazilian Embassy in the capital Tegucigalpa. The military attacked with water cannons, tear gas and loaded weapons, while demonstrators threw stones, built barricades and set fire to tires.
Around 32 people have been reported injured, and 2 deaths. Many were arrested, but some of them were later released.
Dramatic for ACT
The situation is dramatic for members of ACT International. They have closed their offices and keep a low profile, after having been intimidated and received threats. ACT workers say the curfew has made it extremely difficult to plan activities, and meeting with more than five people is forbidden. “The situation is volatile and highly unpredictable,” says an ACT worker. “The polarization is strong all over the country, and pro-Zelayas demonstrations meet massive repression.”
Hondurans flocked to the shops on Wednesday during a brief respite. Mr Zelaya, has been residing with about 40 family members and supporters since Monday.
Disinformation
The online newspaper Revistazo.com gives a fairly balanced picture of the political developments in Honduras, where major media have traditionally been owned by the economic and political power elite. These media support the coup against President Zelaya.
"They have radio and television stations that do not support the coup, but since their transmission station or network access have been destroyed or closed down, they can’t inform on the events," says Katja, a Communicator from one of ACT International members.
Since the beginning of the political crisis, through its Rapid Response Fund, ACT International has been supporting the internally displaced population - stuck on the road by the curfews or fear of repression and not able to access basic necessities - with food items, drinking water, medicine and hygiene kits as well as transportation.
