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HRD Attack

6 May 2016

Alexander García Sorto

Incident date
6 May 2016
Date accuracy
All Correct
Male
Indigenous peoples
Intimidation & threats
Target: Individual
Location of Incident: Honduras
Desarrollos Energéticos (DESA) Honduras Hydropower & dam projects, Energy
COPRECA Honduras Building materials & equipment, Construction
Other actors

Sources

On 6 May 2016, a gunman repeatedly shot COPINH leader and Lenca human rights defender Alexander García Sorto outside his home in Llano Grande, Colomoncagua, as he was on his way to a meeting with other colleagues. Mr. García was wounded in his left shoulder but survived the attempted killing. The attacker was identified as Enedicto Alvarado, a former member of the military and private security guard who had previously threatened to kill Mr. Garcia and had exhibited hostile behaviour against COPINH members.Consejo Civico de Organizaciones Populares e Indígenas de Honduras – COPINH (Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organisations of Honduras) has been active for over 20 years campaigning for the defence of the territory and rights of the Lenca people and the organisation has led fierce campaigns against illegal logging and mega-projects for their detrimental effects on the rights of indigenous peoples in the country. Alexander García is leading his community in peacefully opposing the construction of a hydroelectric dam, that would affect the rivers Negro and Chinacla and the community access to water. The hydroelectric project is developed by AURORA S.A., a company owned by the husband of the Parliament's Vicepresident Ms. Gladis Aurora López.