Source IM Defensoras

FACTS — On Sunday, September 8, defender of Garifuna territory Mirna Teresa Suazo Martínez was killed by unidentified persons who arrived by motorcycle at the restaurant she owned in the community of Masca, and shot her dead.

Mirna Teresa Suazo was the president of the Board of Trustees of the Community of Masca in Omoa, a community that, according to the Black Fraternal Organization of Honduras (OFRANEH), is part of the area of ​​influence of one of the “model cities” and that has also on several occasions rejected the construction of two hydroelectric plants on the river of the same name.

According to data from the National Network of Human Rights Defenders in Honduras, the killing of Mirna Teresa Suazo brings to four the number of Garifuna women killed so far this September.

IM-Defenders and the National Network of Human Rights Defenders in Honduras condemn the murder of Mirna Teresa Suazo and express our solidarity with her family and the members of OFRANEH.

Likewise, we call on the international community to address the serious situation currently faced by women and Garifuna communities in Honduras.