Honduras: Protests held in Choloma (Cortés department) on April 7-8

Event

Residents of Choloma (Cortés department) gathered to denounce poor service delivery and lack of amenities on Tuesday, April 7, and Wednesday, April 8, amid coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictive measures. Reports indicate that residents of Los Castaños de Choloma set alight to tires and blocked roads, prompting security forces to intervene and clear the crowds. Residents had gathered to call for local authorities to better provide during the time of restrictions. Similar protests were reported in Tegucigalpa.

On Wednesday, April 8, the Honduran government announced that the nationwide curfew in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be extended for a further week until 15:00 (local time) on Sunday, April 19. Under the curfew, residents are only permitted to leave their homes for food, medical supplies, gas, and administrative errands on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 09:00 to 15:00 (local time) based on their identity card, passport, or residency card number. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, driving and all outings are prohibited. Those who do not abide by the measures will remain in police custody for 24 hours.

Further protests are possible in the area over the near term. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Individuals are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.