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The Truth Behind the Guapinol Case
How the State fabricated a case to punish water defenders in Honduras February 7, 2022 | Tegucigalpa, Honduras
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On Friday, February 4, 2022, the trial of the Guapinol River Defenders concluded in Honduras. After more than three years of malicious criminal prosecution, the State attorneys rambled on for more than two hours during their closing statements, intentionally mixing up facts, omitting important information telling a fictious story with no basis on the evidence that was actually presented during the trial. Instead of recognizing that they hadn't even been able to prove that any crime whatsoever was committed and dropping the charges to end the more than 29 months of arbitrary detention, they pushed for a (wrongful and unjust) conviction that could mean more than 30 years in prison for the defenders, a call which Los Pinares lawyers reiterated.
The defense also presented their conclusions based on an analysis of the evidence presented during the trial. They showed why and how State witnesses - the majority being security for Los Pinares or a third party contracted by them - were not realiable, contradicted important details between the testimonies and audio-visual evidence presented during the trial and have vested interest in a conviction to benefit the mining commpany.
When the conclusions finalized, the Tribunal set Wednesday, February 9 at 9am for the date and time they will deliver their verdict. On the eve of this important ruling, join us for a conference:
The Truth Behind the Guapinol Case: How the state fabricated a case to punish water defenders in Honduras
We will present a summary of the conclusions and show why the defenders should be acquitted and hear from national and international human rights experts who have closely followed the case.
Tuesday, February 8 - 9am (Live transmission with simultaneous translation begins at 9:30am)
Hotel Plaza Juan Carlos, Celebre Salon, Tegucigalpa
More information and registration at: www.guapinolresiste.org
