Twenty months have passed since the
night of the vile assassination of Berta Cáceres, General Coordinator of the
Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras. During this time
the Honduran authorities have demonstrated a lack of political will to
prosecute those who ordered her murder, confront the structural causes of her
death, or end the persecution of those who defend their territory in Honduras.
Those who wanted to take the life of Berta Cáceres and thereby try to end to the fierce struggle of COPINH and the Lenca people have been hiding behind a cloak of impunity. Nonetheless, with just minimal access to information, an international group of advisors was able to conduct an independent investigation and unveil the network of corruption, cruelty, persecution and hatred behind her murder, and the perpetrators at the center of it, members of the DESA corporation.
In view of the above, the
undersigned support COPINH’s demands to the Honduran authorities with respect
to:
1. The arrest, trial and
conviction of those who ordered and planned the murder of Berta Cáceres and the
persecution of COPINH.
2. Cancellation of the concession along
the Gualcarque River granted to Desarrollos Energéticos S.A. (DESA), which the
GAIPE report clearly shows formed part of a criminal and murderous network.
3. Assurance of a true investigation
into the crime against Berta Cáceres, through the dismissal of all the people
involved in the case and the creation of a new investigation team subject to oversight
by international organizations.
4. The adoption of effective and
immediate measures of safety and protection for the legal team, COPINH, and
Berta's family, who are involved in the case in pursuit of justice.
Berta lives!
Signatures: ALL Signatures until November 6, 2017.
