Fear and Voting in Honduras – December 17, 2009

A photographic essay

The worst crisis to hit Central America since the wars of the 1980’s began on June 28, 2009, when Honduran soldiers attacked the home of legal, democratically-elected president Mel Zelaya and exiled him from the country by plane, after a short stop at a strategic U.S. airbase. A military-backed dictatorship was then installed, under de facto president Roberto Micheletti – a far-right political president, who had failed to capture the presidency in three different elections, before seizing the office by force. Since then crisis has gripped the country. Dozens have died, hundreds wounded, and thousands more detained, as police and soldiers have repeatedly… more

by: Jeremy Kryt

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Irate in the Caribbean – November 29, 2009

How the Honduras Coup Threatens the Hemisphere’s Largest Coral Reef

Roatan, Honduras: There’s a troubling silence beneath the palm trees of this Caribbean island paradise, and the quaint sandy streets are empty of tourists. No Jimmy Buffett or Bob Marley tunes are to be heard in the ramshackle beach bars, and many shops and restaurants have been forced to close for lack of business.

“Bookings are down 50 percent since June, and 66 percent overall since this time last year,” said P.J. Rowntree, owner of the Coconut Tree Divers, a once-thriving scuba shop in the town of West End on Roatan. “And it’s the same situation for all the other [scuba shop] owners. We’re all in the same boat. The… more

by: Jeremy Kryt

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Honduras: Anti-Coup Resistance Fears “Trap” for Zelaya – November 4, 2009

“A Dangerous Situation”

Jeremy Kryt photoHonduran police and soldiers stand guard in front of the National Congress
building in the capital. Peaceful protestors have staged a permanent vigil
since Monday morning, demanding the restitution of President Mel Zelaya.

The controversial, U.S.-brokered peace accord that went into effect last week – intended to restore deposed President Mel Zelaya and pave the way for internationally-recognized elections later this month – might have already fallen apart. The Tegucigalpa accord states that Congress must vote to decide on Zelaya’s return. But a group of… more

by: Jeremy Kryt

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Honduras: Civil Rights Still Suspended as Talks Stall (Again) – October 14, 2009

Peaceful Resistance Still Going Strong after “Dystopian” Crackdown

 The defensive barricade in front of the Brazilian Embassy. Hundreds of
soldiers and police have set up fortifications like these in the streets, to
prevent anyone from approaching the compound, including journalists
and human rights workers.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras – Martial law continues to exact an increasingly heavy toll on both human rights and the economy in this already impoverished nation. The de facto regime is still hedging on its promise to restore civil liberties, and in recent days has actually gone the other way, passing legislation that allows the permanent… more

by: Jeremy Kryt

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Honduras Dispatch: Interview with Zelaya – October 3, 2009

Terms Being Offered “Aren’t Sincere”

 Leaders of the nonviolent anti-coup movement confer during a stand-off
between police and demonstrators.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras – “It’s like being trapped in some kind of Neo-Nazi concentration camp,” said ousted Honduran President Mel Zelaya, during a cell phone interview on Friday afternoon. Mr. Zelaya was referring to conditions inside the Brazilian Embassy, where he’s been holed up for almost two weeks, after sneaking back into the country on foot. The president, known for his trademark cowboy hat and flamboyant mustache, said that the hundreds of soldiers surrounding the Embassy are very strict about how much… more

by: Jeremy Kryt

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