2009-07. Mel, Our Friend, the People are with You!
July 4th, 2009.
Issues: Impunity / Coup d’Etat in Honduras
Today, thousands of people marched through the streets of Tegucigalpa in a peaceful protest to the Coup d’Etat that took place last week, on June 28th. The march headed towards Toncontin airport as the mass march expected to welcome back forcibly removed President Manuel Zelaya, endearingly known as Mel.
The march was peaceful and no violent incidents were reported. Nevertheless, a nervous tension can be felt throughout the capital city.
Numerous flyovers by military helicopters raised tensions even higher.
The march condemned mainstream’s media bias in favor of the de-facto government: “We are neither five nor a hundred, sold-out media, count us appropriately!”
As the march arrived to the airport, heavy military and police presence awaited.
Snipers were positioned on rooftops and the control tower.
“Mel’s problems began when he raised the minimum wage. The rich are against him because he reached into their pockets in order to share the wealth with the people. If the Constitution is reformed, business interests would lose some privileges.”
“Mel, Our Friend, the People are with You!”
Mel did not arrive today as was thought. He is expected to arrive tomorrow July 5th, when another massive march will resume and await his arrival.
Versión en español aquí.
* This photo-essay was completed with the contribution of Angela J. Bunch C.
What mainstream media are you referring to? Honduras? I ask because the mainstream media here in the U.S. as well as the government (Obama) have not supported the coup. They have called for Zelaya to be returned to power.