Honduras: No let-up for radio stations that opposed coup

[Judi Lynn]

Honduras: No let-up for radio stations that opposed coup
Date published: September 6, 2010

There has a new surge in cases of harassment and censorship of Honduran journalists working for radio stations that have been outspoken in their criticism of the government since the June 2009 coup d'état, according to Paris-based press freedom group Reporters sans Frontières (RSF).

Radio Uno, an educational station in the northern city of San Pedro Sula that has repeatedly criticised the regime, was forced off the air by an act of sabotage on the night of August 30. It has since been able to resume broadcasting amid much tension. Its staff has often been the target of violence and acts of intimidation including, on one occasion, the release of toxic gas inside its premises.

Radio Globo journalists Carlos Paz and Oswaldo Estrada were attacked and beaten by police in the capital, Tegucigalpa, on August 27 while covering the use of force to disperse a demonstration by teachers. The police smashed their equipment.

Another Radio Globo journalist, Mayke Antúnez, has meanwhile been the target of threats and intimidation since July, according to the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights in Honduras (CODEH). Antúnez blames the intimidation on the interview she had with former de facto President Roberto Micheletti two months ago in which she dared to ask him about his administration's record on human rights and civil liberties.

More:
http://www.newswatch.in/newsblog/8091