25 Oct 2019 | 12:55 PM UTC
Honduras: Further anti-government protests planned October 26 /update 12
Groups schedule anti-government protests on October 26; transportation disruptions likely
Event
Several civil groups and unions have called for another nationwide anti-government protest on Saturday, October 26. Though precise details on dates and locations were not immediately available, protests are largely expected in Tegucigalpa and other urban centers. Previous protests in Tegucigalpa have taken place at Francisco Morazán National Pedagogical University (UPNFM) and at the National Autonomous University of Honduras.
Anti-government protests were reported on Thursday, October 24, which resulted in protesters burning tires on roads to create blocks, and police using violence, tear gas, other chemicals, water cannons, and blank bullets to disperse protesters.
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
President Juan Orlando Hernandez was elected as Honduras' 55th president in 2013 and elected to a second term in office in 2017, though irregularities were flagged. The Honduran constitution allows a single 4-year presidential term, though the Supreme Court ruled to end the single term limit in 2016. Hernandez has faced accusations of corruption and ties to drug traffickers over the years.
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 are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
