Today upon Zelaya’s return to Honduras, thousands of people in Tegucigalpa took to the streets and demonstrated in front of the Brazilian embassy. The large crowd of people shouted “assassins and rapists” at the army, forcing them to leave. At the same time Zelaya called for resistance throughout the country, so he could return to Tegucigalpa and force the coup to negotiate. The de facto government has stepped up the political repression and imposed a curfew for 26 hours, which is a clear attempt to prevent further developments of the demonstrations, as hundreds flock to the city in caravans and busses. They have also closed down the airports. Furthermore, they are arresting many young people, picking them up from their homes or from the large manifestation in front of the embassy where Zelaya is taking refuge.
Thousands of people are locked up inside their homes, while the army patrols the streets. They cut the electricity, the radio and alternative TV signals as well as cell phones and internet. The journalists, lawyers and supporters of the coup are making public statements, recommending that the people “stay out of trouble” to “avoid and tragedies”. On TV the army gives a press release every 20 minutes advising people to refrain from going into the streets until the curfew has ended. The coup is holding Zelaya responsible for any kind of problems that may occur and at the same time they’ve declared that the armed forces are ready to take action wherever necessary. We are calling out to people everywhere to organize demonstrations in front of the Honduran embassies.