Honduras: Further anti-government protests called in Tegucigalpa for August 9 /update 9

Event

The Freedom and Re-foundation Party (Libre) has scheduled additional anti-government protests for Friday, August 9. Protesters are due to meet at Universidad Pedagogica Nacional at 14:00 (local time) and later proceed to Parque Central, where a concert will be held.

There have been calls for nationwide mobilizations, though details are sparse and difficult to confirm. Protests should therefore be expected in major urban centers with little notice.

Associated localized transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence are expected in the vicinity of all protests. Business disruptions are also likely. Further associated protests are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Protests on August 6 ended in clashes with the police, after police officers attempted to disperse the crowd with tear gas and water cannons. In response, demonstrators reportedly threw stones and sticks at the officers and burned nearby businesses. This protest was organized after a court document filed in the US on Friday, August 2, alleged that President Hernández's 2013 campaign received 1.5 million USD from drug traffickers. Hernández denied the allegations, claiming that the report is part of a smear campaign by political rivals and drug gangs.

Honduras has experienced a wave of violent demonstrations against President Hernández in recent months, after the government presented reforms in the education and health sectors. Many doctors and teachers, with the support of students, have been demonstrating and blockading streets for over a month against two government decrees that, in their opinion, privatize health and education. On June 24, police stormed a university and shot at students in Tegucigalpa, injuring eight.

Advice

Individuals in Honduras, particularly in Tegucigalpa, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate transportation disruptions and a heightened security presence in the vicinity of all protests, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.