Government of Honduras abolished freedom of speech

Minister of State Affairs said that his government believes that the business of medias should be precisely regulated by a decree.

Government of Honduras issued a provision according to which, due to the ‘disruption of peace’ caused by the military revolt that overthrew President Manuel Zelaya in June, all public demonstrations and freedom of speech were banned, government officials reported on Monday.

Current Minister of State Affairs, Oscar Matute, said that the government believes that the business of violence-promoting medias should be precisely regulated by a decree. Senior government official also said that all the decree details were published in the September 26th issue of the official state paper.

Zelayu was overthrown from power and expelled from the country in June, but he managed to come back last week when he found a refuge in the Brazilian Embassy in Tegucigalpa.

Decree prohibits freedom of speech for 45 days

The media who reported favorably of the former President Zelaya, Radio Globo and Cholusat Sur, were banned several times since the new government came to power and they believe that this new measure will gradually lead to a complete ban of their work.

The 45 day decree abolishes freedom of speech, public gathering, and travel, unless permitted by the police or army. Decree also allows arrests without a warrant.