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C O N F I D E N T I A L TEGUCIGALPA 000132 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/08/2020 
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PHUM HO
SUBJECT: HUMAN RIGHTS GROUPS ALLEGE NEW ABUSES TIED TO 
POLITICAL CRISIS 
 
REF: 2/9 E-MAIL FROM AMB. LLORENS TO A/S CROWLEY 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Hugo Llorens, reason 1.4 (B and D) 
 
¶1. (C) Summary.  Manuel de Jesus Murillo and Ricardo Antonio 
Rodriguez, cameramen for "Globo TV," which followed an 
anti-coup political line, were kidnapped on February 1, 
interrogated about the anti-coup resistance movement, and 
released later the same day by four unknown armed persons. 
Human Rights Prosecutor Sandra Ponce told the Ambassador she 
is investigating and believes the allegation is credible that 
Murillo and Rodriguez were kidnapped by security forces.  The 
Ambassador stressed to both Ponce and, in a separate 
conversation, to Minister of Security Oscar Alvarez USG 
concern, calling for a thorough investigation.  In an 
unrelated case, police confirmed that Vanessa Zepeda, a nurse 
at the Social Security Institute and member of its union 
(SINTRAIHSS) who had been active in the anti-coup movement, 
was abducted and found dead in an empty lot on February 4 in 
Tegucigalpa.  There is no known evidence at this time to 
suggest there is a direct link between Zepeda's political 
activity and death.  Ponce said the investigation suggests 
that Zepeda's murder was a common crime and was not 
politically motivated.  End Summary. 
 
Kidnapping of Two Cameramen 
--------------------------- 
 
¶2. (SBU) Manuel de Jesus Murillo and Ricardo Antonio 
Rodriguez, cameramen for "Globo TV," which followed an 
anti-coup political line, were kidnapped on February 1 by 
four unknown armed persons and released later the same day. 
Murillo and Rodriguez alleged to human rights NGO CODEH that 
the kidnappers were police officers.  They alleged that 
during the encounter they were questioned about the anti-coup 
resistance movement's funding and weapons.  Poloff expressed 
concern about the case on February 5 and 8 to Special 
Prosecutor for Human Rights Sandra Ponce.  Ponce said that 
her office took the testimony of the two cameramen, 
coordinated with the Minister of Security Oscar Alvarez to 
provide them security, and that the Public Ministry was 
actively investigating the allegation of police involvement. 
Ponce said there was no sign that Murillo and Rodriguez had 
been physically hurt during the kidnapping, although they 
both alleged to human rights groups that they were mistreated 
and in one case allegedly placed inside a body bag and made 
to believe they would suffocate. 
 
¶3. (C)  The Ambassador called Minister of Security Alvarez on 
February 9 to express USG concern about this case and 
encouraged a thorough investigation into alleged wrongdoing. 
The Ambassador stressed to Alvarez that human rights was of 
great importance to the U.S. and that the government of 
President Porfirio Lobo needed to take these issues extremely 
seriously.  The Ambassador told Alvarez that the restoration 
of the constitutional and democratic order required a 
commitment to uphold the rule of law and defend human rights. 
 Alvarez told the Ambassador that he was aware of the case of 
the two journalists who had alleged that they had been 
kidnapped and tortured.  He said he was investigating the 
possible role of two police officers suspected of being 
involved in the incident.  He promised to keep us informed. 
He was not aware of the case of the murder of Vanessa Zepeda 
but said he would get himself up to speed on the case and get 
back to us.  Alvarez admitted he was known for his strong law 
and order credentials, but noted that he did not want to be 
tagged as someone who was not sensitive to the rule of law 
and human rights and said he would work these issues closely 
with us. 
 
¶4. (C) The Ambassador also spoke to Human Rights Prosecutor 
Sandra Ponce on February 9 to express concern about the 
kidnapping of Murillo and Rodriguez.  Ponce said that she 
believed the allegations of police involvement are credible 
given that one of the cameramen, Manuel de Jesus Murillo, was 
in the Embassy of Brazil with former President Manuel "Mel" 
Zelaya and had been detained previously by police.  Ponce 
assured the Ambassador that the Public Ministry was actively 
investigating the allegations. 
 
Death of Vanessa Zepeda 
----------------------- 
 
¶5. (SBU) CIPRODEH human rights group told Poloff that Vanessa 
Zepeda, a nurse at the Social Security Institute and member 
of its union (SINTRAIHSS) who had been active in the 
anti-coup movement, was abducted and found dead in an empty 
lot on February 4 in Tegucigalpa.  Police told an embassy 
employee on February 5 that Zepeda's mother is a police 
officer (DNIC) and that the police believe evidence shows 
that Zepeda was with her boyfriend at the time of her death. 
The police stated that the investigation revealed Vanessa had 
sexual relations the day she died, but there were no signs of 
violence to the body which led them to believe she died of 
natural causes (Note: this contradicts reports by human 
rights organizations that Zepeda died from a gunshot wound. 
End note.)  An autopsy is pending. 
 
¶6. (SBU) Human Rights NGO CODEH reported on February 5 that 
Zepeda's parents alleged her death was connected to her 
involvement in the anti-coup political movement.  (Note: no 
specific evidence has been reported as of February 9 that 
would suggest there is a direct link between Zepeda's death 
and her anti-coup political activism. End note.) 
 
¶7. (C)  During his February 9 conversation with Minister of 
Security Oscar Alvarez, the Ambassador also expressed USG 
concern about this case and encouraged the police carry out a 
thorough investigation into alleged wrongdoing. 
Additionally, an Embassy employee again expressed concern on 
February 9 to police regarding the death of Zepeda and 
allegations that it is tied to her anti-coup political 
activities.  The Ambassador raised this case with Special 
Prosecutor for Human Rights Sandra Ponce on February 9, who 
said the investigation is being handled by the Special 
Prosecutor for Women at the Public Ministry and their office 
reported that as of February 9 there are no indications or 
evidence in the case to suggest the death was politically 
motivated.  Ponce told Poloff later on February 9 that as 
police reported, the Public Ministry understands there were 
no signs of violence to Zepeda's body. 
 
Comment 
------- 
 
¶8. (C) Human rights groups in Honduras allege that violations 
of human rights connected to the political crisis continue 
and some allege the situation is worse than it was two months 
ago.  It appears that elements of the anti-coup movement 
continue to be targeted for intimidation and violence, 
however there is no evidence as of February 9 to suggest that 
the situation is worse compared to that which existed under 
the de facto regime.  The government of President Lobo 
appears to be committed to investigating allegations of 
wrongdoing by security forces.  We will continue to press 
them to do so. 
 
LLORENS