President Xiomara Castro of Honduras has announced new measures aimed at tackling organized crime, including the construction of a 20,000-capacity “megaprison” and designating members of criminal gangs as “terrorists.” The plan, which Castro referred to as a “plan of solutions against crime,” is a response to a security emergency and increasing public complaints about rising violence in the country. The armed forces and police are set to carry out interventions in areas with high incidences of gang crimes, such as murders for hire, drug and firearm trafficking, extortion, kidnapping, and money laundering.
The construction of the 20,000-inmate “Emergency Reclusion Centre” in a sparsely populated area between Olancha and Gracias a Dios will significantly expand Honduras’s current prison capacity. The authorities also called for reforms to the penal code to designate drug traffickers and members of criminal gangs who commit specific crimes as “terrorists,” subjecting them to collective trials. The national police force, headed by Hector Gustavo Sanchez, is distributing a list of “intellectual authors, leaders, and gang members” for immediate arrest. Operations will be launched to locate and destroy illegal drug plantations and processing centers.
The new measures announced by Honduras echo those in neighboring El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele’s anti-gang campaign has garnered both praise and criticism from rights groups. Honduras had previously declared a state of emergency in December 2022, suspending parts of the constitution to address a rise in crime attributed to gangs. The country’s homicide rate in the previous year stood at 34 per 100,000 inhabitants, nearly six times the global average. Amnesty International has expressed concerns about heavy-handed security measures leading to human rights abuses and increased danger for everyone.
The implementation of these measures seeks to address the root causes of rising violence in Honduras, particularly related to organized crime and gang activities. By designating certain individuals as “terrorists” and conducting collective trials, the government aims to disrupt criminal networks and dismantle their operations. The construction of a megaprison and increased deployment of security forces indicate a commitment to cracking down on crime and ensuring public safety in the country.
Despite the government’s efforts, there are concerns about the potential impact of these measures on human rights and the rule of law. Amnesty International has warned about the risks of widespread abuses and deaths resulting from heavy-handed security tactics, which could undermine trust in the authorities and exacerbate the cycle of violence. It is crucial for Honduras to strike a balance between combating crime effectively and upholding human rights standards to ensure sustainable peace and security in the long term.
As Honduras moves forward with its plan to address crime and insecurity, it will be essential for the government to engage with civil society, international partners, and human rights organizations to monitor the implementation of these measures. By promoting transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights, Honduras can effectively combat organized crime while upholding the dignity and rights of all individuals. This comprehensive approach is necessary to build a safer and more just society for the people of Honduras.
