Honduras Declares State of Emergency to Combat Gang Extortion
Tackling Rampant Gang Extortion in Honduras
In a bold move, Honduras has declared a state of emergency to tackle rampant gang extortion. This is the second country in Central America to take this measure, following neighboring El Salvador’s lead. The aim of the declaration is to limit constitutional rights and round up gang members.
President Castro Vows to Eradicate Extortion
Honduran President Xiomara Castro proposed the emergency decree on Thursday, vowing to eradicate extortion nationwide. “This social democratic government is declaring war on extortion, just as it has declared wars on corruption, impunity, and drug trafficking,” she said.
Bus Operators Support the Move
The proposal must still be approved by Congress, but bus operators in Honduras have already expressed support for the move. Jorge Lanza, leader of the bus operators, said drivers are tired of being threatened and killed for not paying protection money to gangs. “We can’t put up with workers being killed and paying extortion any longer,” he said.
Extortion a Major Concern
According to Lanza, 50 drivers have been killed in Honduras so far this year, and a total of 2,500 have been killed over the last 15 years. The bus operators estimate they pay around $10 million per month to gangs to operate.
El Salvador’s Experience with State of Emergency
El Salvador has also declared a state of emergency, which has resulted in the arrest of over 56,000 people for alleged gang ties. However, human rights organizations have documented thousands of violations and at least 80 in-custody deaths of people arrested during the state of exception.
Concerns about Human Rights Abuses
Rights activists warn that young men are frequently arrested based on their age, appearance, or whether they live in a gang-dominated slum. The Honduran government’s declaration of emergency raises concerns about the potential for human rights abuses and the effectiveness of the measure in addressing extortion.
Key Points:
- Honduras declares state of emergency to tackle gang extortion
- Bus operators support the move, citing tiredness with being threatened and killed
- El Salvador has also declared a state of emergency, resulting in over 56,000 arrests
- Human rights organizations have documented thousands of violations and at least 80 in-custody deaths
- Concerns about human rights abuses and effectiveness of the measure in addressing extortion.