The killing of Juan Lopez shows the dangers environmental activists face in Honduras

25 September 2024

We are deeply saddened by the news that Juan Lopez - anti-mining activist, environmentalist, community leader and municipal councillor of Tocoa, northern Honduras - was shot dead by several men as he travelled home in his car from church on 14 September.

Juan Lopez, 46, campaigned against open-pit iron ore mining in a forest reserve in the vicinity of Tocoa. The mining has a negative impact on the natural water resources of the local area, like Guapinol River.

Catholic Church organisations in Honduras have condemned the murder and are calling for justice and truth.

Juan Lopez was killed despite precautionary measures ordered by the Human Rights Interamerican Court (IACHR) last October. The community believes his death could have been prevented if the Honduran authorities had not failed to implement the measures granted to Juan Lopez, and the other 30 members of the environmental organisation in the city of Tocoa.

The IACHR registered numerous threats against Juan Lopez, including from a gang member, a local businessperson and a mining company representative. In June, two men on motorcycles began appearing around his home.

More:
https://cafod.org.uk/news/international-news/juan-lopez-killing-dangers-environmental-activists-honduras