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Pope Francis Condemns Assassination of Honduran Environmental Activist Juan López Amid Mining Protests

Sep 22, 2024, 10:57 AM

Honduran environmental activist Juan López was assassinated on Saturday, sparking global condemnation. López, who was affiliated with the Guapinol community and had received the 2019 Letelier-Moffitt award, was known for his efforts to defend local forests and rivers against mining and hydro-electric projects. His murder is part of a broader pattern of violence against environmental defenders in Honduras, particularly in the rural Caribbean region of Colón and the Bajo Aguán region. Various human rights organizations, including the Municipal Committee for the Defense of Public Goods, have demanded justice for López. Prominent figures, such as Rep. McGovern and Sen. Peter Welch, have called for accountability and an independent investigation. Pope Francis also condemned the killing, highlighting the ongoing human rights violations in the region. López's efforts were inspired by the spirit of Berta Caceres, another renowned environmental defender.