Honduras: Investigate Killings of Peasants

[Judi Lynn]

Honduras: Investigate Killings of Peasants
Dozens of Murders, No Arrests
September 9, 2011

(Washington, D.C.) – Honduras should conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into the killings of dozens of peasants in the Bajo Aguán Valley, Human Rights Watch said today.

Fifteen people, including six peasants and four private security guards, were killed in the Bajo Aguán Valley in August 2011, according to a local group. The administration of President Porfirio Lobo ordered the military to patrol the area after these incidents.

“A prompt and impartial investigation is absolutely critical to ensure that those responsible for the killings in the Bajo Aguán Valley are brought to justice,” said José Miguel Vivanco, Americas director at Human Rights Watch.

The killings occurred in the midst of a longstanding territorial dispute between peasants and landowners in the Bajo Aguán Valley. At least 40 peasants, as well as several security guards and bystanders, have been killed in the region since President Lobo took office in January 2010.

More:
http://www.hrw.org/news/2011/09/09/honduras-investigate-killings-peasants