DanChurchAid
Honduras
Prosecutors on hunger strike against corruption
Some are sitting on plastic chairs, spread out between Tents and pavillions, some are lying on worn out mattresses. Signs with slogans, such as “Against corruption” and “For a fair Honduras”, are hanging on the tents.
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| The striking hondurians are supported by civilians and NGO’s alike in their fight against the widespread corruption in Honduras. Photos: Mike Kollöffel |
The protesters have turned the large square outside the congress building in Honduras capital Tegucigalpa into a campsite and the scene of an unusual hunger strike.
The strike was initiated as a protest by the eight public prosecutors. Their boss, the Attorney Geberal, wanted to fire or remove them, because they were investigating 16 corruption cases, involving high ranking hondurian politicians and businessmen.
The main claims of the striking are the dismissal of the Attorney General and the vice Attorney General as well the establishment of a investigative commission, dealing with the widespread corruption in Honduras.
A country permeated by corruption
| More about corruption in Honduras |
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According to international watchdog Transparency International (link), Honduras is level with countries such as Liberia and Burundi, when it comes to corruption, and this is costing the society 894 million USD every year.
This money does not, however, benefit the Hondurian population, 60% of which are living below the poverty line.
Exactly because of the widespread corruption, the hunger strike has developed drastically and is widely supported, as Humanitarian organisations, Unions and Human Rights organizations alike, view the strike as part of the fight for democracy, rights of the poor and an independent press to replace the current manipulated, censored and government owned media.
"We risk our lives”
| Documentation |
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| Read DCA worker Guido Eguigirres essay on the historic context of Honduras. ”Notes for understanding the Hunger Strike of the Public Prosecutors in Honduras”: |
Juan Carlos Griffin Raminez is sitting in a white plastic chair at the edge of the square. He is a prosecutor, and was one of the first people to go on hunger strike. He is striking for the 34th day in a row, therefore he can only talk for a few minutes, then he needs to rest. His body is worn out by starvation.
”We started the hunger strike, because our constitution states, that all are equal to the law. But in the current state, this doesn’t hold true for people of wealth or power.” He says, frowning slightly.
He explains about the doctor they have on 24 hour watch and that four of the prosecutors have already been submitted to the hospital.
”We risk our lives for justice.” He says, gazing at his seven year old son, sitting quietly in a chair beside him. “I continue the strike for the children. We must come through with our claims, if we want them to grow up in a fair and just society.”
Historic opportunity
Countless organisations, including several of DanChurchAid’s partners, are supporting the prosecutors claim for ending corruption.
Many have voluntarily joined the hunger strike: 32 people are now striking on the square outside the congress building.
Karla Lara pops his head out of the opening in his tent and greets us. The hondurian celebrity has been on strike for 16 days herself, in the fight for justice.
”Corruption destroys our country. This strike is a historical opportunity to fight corruption and make a change.” She says.
Like the others on strike, Karla Lara lives on water, honey and a salt-sugar solution.
” Its tough. My children call me up and ask me, why I’m not coming home, why it’s taking so ling. But stopping is not an option now. We will fight till they hear is.” She says with watery eyes.
Church supports the striking
Many ecumenical organisations have joined the struggle for justice. Catholic and protestant head of churches alike have declared their support for the hunger strike.
Evelio Reyes, leader of the evangelical church Vida Abundante, is of the opinion, that the church has a duty to be active in the fight for justice; ”This struggle is not just social and political, it is religious too. If we believe in God, we must oppose any injustice and help weak and the oppressed.” He says.
Two figoures approach the square. They walk slowly, arms resting on the shoulders of four other men, almost carrying them along.
It is Jary Dixon and Victor Fernandez, to of the prosecutors who started the strike. They are on their way to a meeting with representatives from the government. On the meeting they will discuss the options in dismissing the Attorney General and Vice Attorney General. But this will happen only, when a law is passed in congress.
The draft is written and is about to undergo first treatment in congress. If the law is passed, it will be a victory for the campers on the congress buildings steps. But until then, the hunger strike continues.
By Anne Lund-Pedersen
Central America
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