On 2 March 2016, Berta Cáceres, a brave defender of the environment and indigenous rights, was shot dead by gunmen in her home in Intibucá, Honduras. Berta and the Civic Council of Indigenous and Popular Organizations of Honduras (COPINH) campaigned against the construction of a hydroelectric dam called Agua Zarca and the impact it would have on the territory of the Lenca People.
Two years after her death, the Honduran Attorney General’s office has carried out an investigation that resulted in the preventive detention of 8 people, but the family’s lawyers say that refusing to question high-ranking officials is jeopardising the investigation.
Lack of justice in this case is sending the message that human rights defenders can be killed and nothing will be done about it.
Send a solidarity message to COPINH and demand #JusticiaParaBerta!
Submit a message on tumblr or by emailing brave(at)amnesty.ie
You can also post a written solidarity message to Amnesty International Ireland, 48 Fleet Street, Dublin 2.
Tips for solidarity messages:
– Call for justice for Berta (i.e. “Justicia Para Berta!”)
– Recognise the important work that COPINH does protecting the environment, the land and the rights of the Lenca indigenous people
– Send solidarity and strength to COPINH so they can continue their struggle. Tell them that they are not alone! (for example: “COPINH: estamos con ustedes” or “COPINH: no están solos!”)
– Mention where you’re from