President Manuel Zelaya, who was deposed on June 28 by a
right-wing pro-U.S. coup, has returned home to his beloved country. Reports
indicate that he is secure at the Brazilian embassy. His return is a victory
for the people of Honduras and is a direct result of their non-stop and daily
struggle for over 80 days.
There is however, currently a very dangerous situation in the country that
demands the immediate solidarity from the movement in the U.S.
The illegal government of Roberto Micheletti is carrying out a violent wave of
repression at this very moment.
Blogs report: “TeleSur is showing images of uniformed National Police
members, with billy clubs, shields, helmets and guns, surrounding the zone near
the Brazilian Embassy, apparently to close access to the area, blocking
anti-coup demonstrators from entering or leaving. The network is also
broadcasting live images, from Channel 36, of two helicopters circling over the
Embassy.”
The internet and cell phone signals have been blocked hindering the people and
the movement from getting information out about the repression.
People in Honduras report that at 5:20 in the morning a wave of repression
began against the people gathered around the Brazilian Embassy. The Micheletti
government has thrown tear gas and other tools of repression have been
used. One blogger stated:”The fascist repression is upon
us.”
Another Honduran reports: "Just like Mel (President Zelaya) was able to
get to the Brazilian embassy after being exiled, every Honduran should get to
Tegucigalpa from whatever part of Honduras they are at.”
An unidentified individual told Radio Globo “We urge the International
Community to come and count the dead.” They went on to say that the
Resistance is not afraid and will not give up.
People from a neighborhood called Kennedy in Tegucigalpa declared massive civil
disobedience and do not recognize any tax imposed by the coup government. They
have taken to the streets in a massive spontaneous march that began at 9:30 at
night and ended later that night.
The march started with a few dozen and ended with 3,000 in one neighborhood
alone.
Solidarity with the people of Honduras more urgent than ever.
The IAC urges everyone to take part in an emergency alert. Here are
some things you can do:
1) If you are in NYC take part at the
demonstration
Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 5-7pm in front of the Honduran
Embassy 48th St. and 1st Ave. If you are outside NYC, organize an
emergency action in your city.
2) Call the White House and Secretary of State
Hillary Rodham Clinton immediately and demand an end to the repression
3) Support the work of the IAC by giving a
generous donation. You can donate online at
http://iacenter.org/donate/
4) The IAC is organizing a solidarity delegation
to Honduras from October 7 through October 11 to participate in a Solidarity
conference organized by the National Front of the Resistance. You can support
this delegation with messages of solidarity or by inviting Hondurans and the
other delegates to report back on that conference or with a donation.
