Honduras: Authorities to implement nationwide state of emergency from Dec. 6 /update 1

Event

Authorities have confirmed a national state of emergency focused on parts of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula will continue for 30 days from 18:00 Dec. 6, in order to combat the activities of criminal organizations; the measures may be extended further. The State of Emergency allows authorities to partially suspend constitutional rights in affected areas, including freedom of association, freedom of movement, and usual limitations on searches and arrests; it is likely that police could make arrests without warrants and hold suspects in preventive detention. Tighter control over telecommunications may also occur, with the government monitoring the sale of SIM cards for cell phones. The measures will be focused on areas where most gang-related extortion occurs. Reports indicate that the government is deploying 20,000 more police officers in affected areas.

Increased security measures are likely in lower-income neighborhoods in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa where violent crime is a concern. Business and transport disruptions are likely as security forces conduct searches.

Context

President Castro declared the state of emergency in response to the activity of several large criminal organizations, particularly Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Mara Barrio 18 (18th Street Gang, Calle 18, Barrio 18, Mara 18, La 18) gangs. Authorities claim that the gangs have carried out extensive programs of extortion against businesses, transport drivers, and NGOs, carrying out violence against entities that do not pay protection money. MS-13 and Barrio 18 both have an extensive presence throughout Central America. Reports indicate that gang violence is most extensive in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, on which the new State of Emergency is focused.

Advice

Heed the instructions of security personnel. Plan accordingly for possible travel and freight shipping delays due to checkpoints and tighter security inspections. Comply with the directives of authorities. Monitor local news sources for more information on localized security measures.