Honduras: “Permanent” pro-Nasralla protests expected nationwide Dec. 15 /update 22

Event

​Protests in support of Honduran presidential opposition candidate Salvador Nasralla continue throughout the country as of Wednesday, December 13. Among the areas most affected by the ongoing protests are various neighborhoods in the capital Tegucigalpa, as well as El Progreso and the outskirts of San Pedro Sula. ​

Furthermore, Nasralla has called for "permanent" protests to take place nationwide beginning on December 15 to continue to denounce alleged election fraud. Former Honduran President Manuel Zelaya joined in the call for Friday's pro-Nasralla protests, declaring that the demonstrations will continue until Nasralla is declared the winner of the November 26 election. Large demonstrations and heightened security measures - along with associated transportation disruptions and possible violence - are expected in cities and along major thoroughfares in Honduras in the coming days.

Context

Protests denouncing the results of the November 26 presidential election have been ongoing throughout the country since November 29. Reports of vandalism and looting are widespread, particularly in urban areas. On December 1, military officials announced that the government had suspended several constitutional rights, granting security forces greater power to address election-related protests and violence.

The Organization of American States (OAS) and Human Rights Watch have cited election "irregularities" and "indications of election fraud," respectively, as having affected the November 26 election.

Advice

Individuals in Honduras are advised to adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities, to monitor the situation, and to strictly avoid all demonstrations.

Visitors to the country should note that political activism by foreign nationals is prohibited under Honduran law. Foreigners who take part in demonstrations or other political activities risk detention and or/deportation.