No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCentral AmericaHondurasFormer Honduras General Hospitalized Before Protest Death Trial

Former Honduras General Hospitalized Before Protest Death Trial

Honduran General Romeo Vásquez, who is due to stand trial Friday for the death of a protester following the 2009 coup, was transferred to a hospital this Thursday due to health issues, a nephew reported. “General Romeo Vásquez just suffered hyperglycemia” (increased blood sugar levels in a person with diabetes), which led to his transfer to the Military Hospital in Tegucigalpa, his nephew Marvin Vásquez told radio HRN.

The 68-year-old retired general was the head of the Armed Forces at the time of the civilian-military coup against President Manuel Zelaya. He was arrested on Sunday and sent by a judge to the National Penitentiary, 27 km north of the capital, awaiting trial, scheduled for this Friday.

The nephew added that the former military chief “had previously suffered a heart attack” and “has had colon cancer and has diabetes.” In Friday’s hearing, the court “requires minimal evidence” to decide whether to proceed with the trial or release Vásquez, explained Judicial Branch spokesperson Melvin Duarte, who clarified that his presence is not mandatory.

According to the prosecution, Vásquez and two other former military chiefs were arrested “for allegedly being responsible for the crimes of homicide and serious injuries” against Isy Obed Murillo and Alex Zavala, respectively. Murillo, 19, died from a gunshot and Zavala was injured on July 5, 2009, while participating in a protest against the coup that overthrew Zelaya, husband of current leftist President Xiomara Castro.

Vásquez claimed “political persecution” and stated that he “never” gave “an order to attack any Honduran.” However, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Honduras (OACNUDH) said this Thursday that the process regarding Murillo’s death is “a step forward” for “guaranteeing access to justice and fighting against impunity.”

The case was reopened by a prosecutor who took office in November 2023 and who, according to the opposition, is aligned with Castro’s government.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Electric Car Market Booms Despite Gradual Tax Increases

Costa Rica has experienced a boom in the purchase of electric vehicles. This comes as no surprise, given that the prices of electric cars...

Costa Rica’s OIJ Captures Suspects in Roberto Samcam Murder

The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) carried out multiple raids on Friday morning to capture suspects in the murder of Roberto Samcam, a former Nicaraguan...

Da Vinci Code author finds peace in Costa Rica while promoting new novel

Dan Brown, author of the famous novel The Da Vinci Code, which has sold more than 80 million copies, revealed that he lives in Costa...

Nicaragua Releases Prison Photos of Detained Doctor Amid US Demands

The government of Nicaragua published this Friday photographs in prison of a doctor with Costa Rican and Nicaraguan nationality, two days after the United...

Celebrating Costa Rica Independence Day Through the Eyes of an Expat

Independence Day is almost here! If you live near a school, a soccer field, a parking lot, or a barrio with a lot of...

Costa Rica Airport Faces Operational Risk Due to Defective Runway Repairs

The runway at the Daniel Oduber Airport (Guanacaste Airport), located in Liberia, shows signs of deformation, fails to meet quality standards expected for pavement,...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica