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Masked men armed with guns and machetes have killed a Honduran environmentalist activist in front of his family, police said on Monday, the latest in a string of such attacks in the Central American country.
Felix Vasquez, a defender of environmental and human rights, died on Saturday night after the attack in the village El Ocotal, in central Honduras.
A law enforcement spokesman told the news agency Reuters the killing was under investigation.
“Police authorities immediately decided to initiate a corresponding investigation … we hope to have an answer soon,” police official Kevin Hernandez told journalists.
The violent killing met widespread condemnation. Former President Manuel Zelaya, who was deposed following a 2009 military coup, tweeted “We condemn the assassination of Felix Vasquez, Indigenous leader, defender of the rivers and forests”.
Honduras: Indigenous activist killed in front of family
A group of armed men entered the home of environmental activist Felix Vasquez and killed him in front of his family, according to Honduran police.
Honduras police file photo
Honduran police were investigating the murder of environmental activist and member of the indigenous Lenca community Felix Vasquez, authorities said on Monday.
The 70-year-old activist was shot by a group of masked men in his home, in the central village of El Ocotal. Members of his family witnessed the crime.
Police were looking to see if Vasquez had enemies in the community and if he reported receiving death threats. They hope to have an answer soon, police official Kevin Hernandez told journalists.
By Reuters Staff
2 Min Read
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Masked men armed with guns and machetes killed a Honduran environmentalist activist in front of his family, police said on Monday, the latest in a string of such attacks in the Central American country.
Felix Vasquez, a defender of environmental and human rights, died on Saturday night after the attack in the village El Ocotal, in central Honduras.
A law enforcement spokesman told Reuters the killing was under investigation.
“Police authorities immediately decided to initiate a corresponding investigation. we hope to have an answer soon,” police official Kevin Hernandez told journalists.
Honduras is one of the world’s most dangerous countries for activists, with 14 land and environmental defenders killed last year, up from four people in 2018, according to data made available by advocacy group Global Witness.