INTERNATIONAL LABOUR-HONDURAS:

REPRESSION CONTINUES IN HONDURAS:

While the coup in Honduras is off the front pages the repression in that country continues unabated. Here's a story and appeal from the IUF international union federation.

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Brutal repression continues in Tegucigalpa, Honduras:

Carlos Reyes, STIBYS General Secretary Carlos Reyes, General Secretary of IUF-affiliated Stibys (the industry, drinks and allied workers union) and member of the the IUF World Executive Committee, was beaten and hospitalized with a broken arm.

At noon on Thursday whilst civil society organizations were peacefully protesting in the Northern part of Tegucigalpa, the Army and the Police forces unleashed a major physical attack on protestors indicating clearly the regime's attitude towards those who would wish to exercise their right to peaceful protest. Much of the physical repression seemed to target the main leaders of the civil resistance. Juan Barahona, coordinator of the "Bloque Polpular" and member of the National Front Against the Coup d'Etat was struck and then detained at the Bethlehem police station along with other leaders. Roger Vallejo Soriano, a 38-year old teacher was wounded by a shot to the head and remains in grave condition.

The IUF has protested strongly these latest acts of repression to Don José Miguel Insulza, the general secretary of the Organization of American States. We call on others to do the same and also to contact Roberto Micheletti to protest these latest attacks and demand guarantees for the the safety of those who wish to peacefully protest anywhere in Honduras as well as full respect for their right to do so.

Click here to go the IUF Latin American Region's campaign page.
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THE LETTER:

Please go to THIS LINK to add your name to the following letter protesting the violent repression going on in Honduras.

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Mr. Roberto Micheletti,

I am writing you to condemn the escalation of repression in Honduras by the Armed Forces and the Police you command, expressing my absolute rejection of the violence unleashed against the people, who are peacefully demonstrating their opposition to the de facto government.

I hold you personally responsible for the consequences of this repression and for the physical well-being of all the Hondurans that are participating in the resistance, and in particular that of our fellow unionists Carlos H. Reyes and other members of STIBYS, and Juan Barahona and the members of SITRAINA, both organizations which are IUF affiliates.

Moreover, I demand the immediate restoration of the democratic order in Honduras, from which you should have never departed.

Cc: Mr. José Miguel Insulza, Secretary General of the Organization of American States