Honduras: ‘State of Emergency’ Decree Restricts Freedom of Expression and the Right to Dissent

Article 19 press release, received today

For immediate release – 30 September 2009

Honduras: ‘State of Emergency’ Decree Restricts Freedom of Expression and the Right to Dissent

Presidential Decree PCM-M-016-2009 was adopted on 26 September and declares a ‘State of Emergency’ in Honduras. The Emergency unduly limits freedom of expression and has already been used to close down the broadcasters Channel 36 and Radio Globo.

These closures follow a series of worrying incidents regarding freedom of expression since the 28 June coup. ARTICLE 19 calls on the Honduran authorities to rescind the Emergency and allow Channel 36 and Radio Globo to broadcast as normal.

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News:Freedom of Expression Under Threat in Honduras

July 1, 2009

Honduras: Freedom of Expression Under Threat Following Weekend Coup

The ousting of the democratically elected Honduran President, Manuel Zelaya, in a military coup on Saturday 28 June is a blow for democracy and a direct threat against the rights of citizens to express their political will through democratic means. ARTICLE 19 joins the international community in condemning the coup, which also negatively impacts the media and other avenues for free expression. In particular, A19 expresses its concerns about the arrests and intimidation of journalists by military forces and the temporary suspension of radio and television broadcasts in the country.

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