PBI-Honduras present as COPINH marks the 9th anniversary of the murder of Indigenous Lenca defender Berta Cáceres
On March 3, PBI-Honduras posted on Facebook (and X and Instagram):
“Yesterday, we supported Copinh Honduras during the ninth anniversary of the planting of Berta Cáceres. The admirable work of environmental defender Lenca continues to be an example in defending land, water and indigenous peoples.
From PBI we highlight the importance of achieving comprehensive justice for Berta, Juan and all the defenders who have been killed for their work defending human rights in Honduras.”
On X, PBI-Honduras added:
“From PBI we emphasize the importance of achieving #justicia comprehensive relief for Berta, Juan and all the people #defenders who have been murdered for their work defending human rights in Honduras.”
RadioHouse.hn also reported:
“On Sunday, March 2, the commemoration of the ninth anniversary of the sowing of the national heroine, Berta Cáceres, took place. The event was held at the “Utopia” Meeting and Friendship Center, in La Esperanza, Intibucá, bringing together family, friends, social organizations and human rights defenders who honored her memory and struggle.
During the day, various cultural activities and reflection allowed remembering the legacy of Cáceres, who dedicated her life to the defense of the territory, natural resources and the rights of indigenous peoples. Attendees stressed the importance of continuing his struggle for justice and environmental protection in the face of the threats that persist in the region.”
And on March 2, the Civic Council of Grassroots and Indigenous Organisations in Honduras (COPINH) also posted this media statement:
“Almost a decade after her murder, the road to justice has been arduous and marked by obstacles created by those working to guarantee impunity for the masterminds of the crime.
In November 2024, the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice upheld the sentences against seven men convicted of Berta Cáceres’ murder and the attempted murder of Gustavo Castro.
Among them, David Castillo, president of DESA and former military intelligence officer, was named a co-perpetrator. However, the Supreme Court reduced his sentence, exposing the influence of powerful interests over the Honduran judicial system.
This ruling confirmed the existence of the criminal structure that killed Berta, linked to the Atala Zablah family and state security forces. Yet, impunity still protects the masterminds. Members of the Atala Zablah family continue to use their power to obstruct truth and justice.
The persecution and criminalization of social movements and land defenders have not stopped. The same strategies used to silence Berta have been repeated against other activists.
The murder of environmental defender Juan López on September 14, 2024, is proof of this. Like Berta, he was threatened and had precautionary measures from the IACHR. Yet, he was murdered.
Although we have made progress, justice remains incomplete. We demand the identification and prosecution of all those responsible. To those who planned and financed this assassination. Daniel Atala remains a fugitive from justice because evidence has clearly shown his connection to Berta’s murder.”
The full statement from COPINH can be read at Nine Years Without Berta! May There Not Be Ten Without Justice.
COPINH’s coordinators have been accompanied by PBI Honduras since May 2016.
0 Comments