Torched radio station forced off air by threats

[Judi Lynn]

Torched radio station forced off air by threats
Published on Tuesday 18 January 2011.

Threats from local authorities and security forces, which tried to take over its management, forced a local radio station in Honduras temporarily to stop broadcasting on 14 January.

The station, Radio Faluma Bimetu – Radio Coco Dulce in Spanish - belongs to the Honduran community of African origin (Garifuna) of Triunfo de la Cruz.

A delegation from the municipality of Tela, backed by police officers, turned up at the community on 12 January to impose a new, hand-picked board of management (patronato).

The community of Triunfo de la Cruz had already planned a vote on 28 January to designate its future representatives. When the community refused to recognize the procedure, threats were made to burn the station down.

The threat was a reminder of the arson attack that destroyed the station on 6 January 2010.

More:
http://en.rsf.org/honduras-torched-radio-station-forced-off-18-01-2011,39344.html