Honduras: Clashes amid protests in Tegucigalpa Jan. 12 /update 28

Event

On Friday, January 12, violent clashes broke out near the Presidential House in Tegucigalpa during a protest over alleged cases of electoral fraud in the country's November elections. According to local sources, 17 police officers were injured in the clashes. At least six protesters were also injured when security forces reportedly fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse the protest.

Continued protests, and associated transportation disruptions, along with a heightened security presence, are expected in Tegucigalpa and other major Honduran cities in the coming days and weeks. Clashes and other forms of violence cannot be ruled out.

Additionally, opposition leaders have called for an "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 have occurred on a near daily basis. There have been numerous reports of deadly clashes, vandalism, looting, and roadblocks, particularly in urban areas. ​

Salvador Nasralla, the leader of the opposition coalition, 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.