Honduras: March in San Pedro Sula January 6 /update 27

Event

Opposition leaders have announced plans to hold a protest march in San Pedro Sula on Saturday, January 6. The march will begin at 14:00 (local time) at the Monument to the Mother and will end at Central Park. Opposition leader Salvador Nasralla announced that he will lead the demonstration. Transportation disruptions, along with a heightened security presence, should be anticipated in the vicinity of the march. Clashes and other forms of violence cannot be ruled out.

Additionally, opposition leaders called for "insurrection" against President Juan Orlando Hernández (i.e. daily protests) beginning on January 27 to denounce the results of the November 2017 presidential elections. On January 27 Hernández will be sworn in for a second term; the location of the inauguration ceremony has yet to be announced.

Context

Protests denouncing the results of the November 26 presidential election occurred on a near daily basis through the end of November and December. There were numerous reports of deadly clashes, vandalism, looting, and roadblocks, particularly in urban areas.​

Nasralla continues to call for fresh elections to be held, and has warned that civil war is possible if new elections are not held.

Advice

Individuals in Honduras are advised to keep abreast of the situation and strictly avoid all demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

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.