‘Pain and fury’ over assassination

One of Latin America’s most prominent priests has expressed his shock at the assassination of environmental activist Berta Cáceres in Honduras.

Fr Ismael Moreno Coto, known as Padre Melo, said he felt “pain and fury” at news of the death of his friend and fellow activist who was killed by professional assassins last week. “Berta was a great leader and an insightful guide in the struggle to defend the natural environment and the struggles of the indigenous people,” said Padre Melo, a Honduran Jesuit priest who won the Swedish Rafto Prize for human rights last year.   

Cáceres opposed the massive Agua Zarca hydro-dam project in Honduras, bringing her into conflict with foreign investors and powerful engineering companies.

“She was constantly threatened,” wrote Padre Melo in a message to friends and followers. “As the woman with the most international recognition in the Honduran social and popular movements, her killing shows how little protection there is for those who fight for human rights and the defence of the natural environment and against the sale of our national sovereignty.”

The work of Cáceres caused consternation in the Government and also the leadership of the Church. Cardinal Oscar Rodríguez Maradiaga reportedly instructed Catholics in the indigenous community of Lempira last December not to support the Council of Indigenous and Popular Organisations, led by Cáceres, or listen to its radio broadcasts.