Voices in Danger: The journalists working under constant fear of harassment in Honduras
Voices in Danger: The journalists working under constant fear of harassment in Honduras
Gilda Silvestrucci faces daily dangers in her homeland
Anne Mortensen
Wednesday 27 November 2013
With elections approaching in Honduras, the world awaits the outcome. It is a country that holds the top position as the most dangerous country in the world, where corruption is rife, and where poverty engulfs 70 per cent of the population.
The question therefore is: Who will the Honduran people vote in on 24 November 2013 to save them? Incumbent President and National Party member, Porfirio Lobo Sosa, has served as leader since 2010. Since President Lobo took power, at least 23 journalists have been murdered, the Honduras National Commissioner for Human Rights says.
The most dangerous subjects for reporters to cover include the police and disputes between mining companies and local peasants. Lobo must now stand aside to allow eight other candidates from the various Parties to vie for the leadership position.
One such newly formed party is called, quite literally, The Anti-Corruption Party. Despite the amount of work to be done, Hondurans seem to be undecided on how best to tackle the many issues the country faces. According to the polls, no one candidate will win so it is highly likely that a coalition government will be formed. Whomever enters the highest office of the land, the challenge will be to see Honduras become a safer place for its people to live.
In the meantime, fighting the good fight for Hondurans, have been the Honduran journalists. Despite the dangerous atmosphere, they have worked to expose government corruption despite the threats, intimidation and, in some cases, the loss of their lives.
More:
http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/campaigns/voicesindanger/voices-in-danger-the-journalists-working-under-constant-fear-of-harassment-in-honduras-8968049.html