The International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) representing lawyers and jurists in over 100 countries and with consultative status with the United Nations, ECOSOC and UNICEF condemns the military coup against the democratically elected Government of President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras.
IADL calls for the return and reinstatement of President Manuel Zelaya in his legitimate functions and for the immediate reestablishment of the Constitutional order in Honduras.
IADL calls for the arrest and judgment of all the responsables of the military coup in front of the competent Tribunals.
IADL strongly condemns the kidnap and detention of the Foreign Minister of Honduras, Patricia Rodas, as well as the detention of the ambassadors of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicargua.
IADL calls on military forces in Honduras to respect the Constitution and the rule of law and to return immediately to its barracks and allow civil rule to be reestablished
IADL expresses solidarity and support to the Honduran people and their social organizations and unions who are fighting peacefully to protect their rights and to preserve Democracy, and calls on authorities to guarantee and respect their freedom of expression.
IADL believes the international community has correctly opposed this coup, and supports efforts by the world community to demand Honduras reinstate President Zelaya’s government, and not to recognize the new President named by the Honduran Congress, Roberto Micheletti.
IADL will follow the developments in Honduras with great concern.