Honduras: Yalile Dubón Pérez Faces Threats After Exposing Mayor's Son
Journalist's safety at risk as she receives threats for reporting on the arrest of the mayor's son, raising concerns about freedom of expression in Honduras
Location: Honduras, Santa Rosa de Copán
Date: January 16, 2024
The Coalition For Women In Journalism and Women Press Freedom stands in unwavering solidarity with Yalile Dubón Pérez, a courageous journalist facing grave threats in Honduras for performing her vital duty to the public. The threats against Pérez, following her reporting on the arrest of Aníbal Erazo, son of the mayor of Santa Rosa de Copán, represent not only a direct attack on her personal safety but also a blatant assault on press freedom and the democratic principles of transparency and accountability. We call upon the authorities in Honduras, including the Public Ministry and Human Rights organizations, to take immediate and decisive action. A comprehensive and transparent investigation into the threats against Yalile Dubón Pérez is imperative. The safety of Pérez and her family must be ensured, and those responsible for these intimidations and threats must be held accountable.
“I cannot continue with this fear that they will send to kill me for having uploaded this news”
"I cannot continue with this fear that they will send to kill me for having uploaded this news... It is ugly to work like this; it is sad to know that the government itself is against you," says Yalile Dubón Pérez, director of the news program Yalile Informa, about the threats she has received for the publication of a story regarding the arrest of Aníbal Erazo, the mayor's son, for illegal possession of firearms.
According to Pérez, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, after reporting on the arrest of Aníbal Erazo, the son of the mayor of Santa Rosa de Copán, for unlawful firearms possession, she received numerous threatening phone calls targeting her personal safety. These calls were allegedly made by people associated with the local municipal leadership.
Pérez commented that shortly after the publication, she received a threatening message urging her to remove the post or face consequences. Despite considering deleting it, the story had already accumulated around three thousand views and over 50 shares.
Pérez expressed that in the event of any harm befalling her or her family, she wants it to be known that she holds specific people accountable. The authorities, the Public Ministry (MP), and Human Rights (HR) are aware of these people's names and surnames, given the recent attacks she has endured.
Following the incident, various media outlets in western Honduras, including Posadas UNETV Copán, have disseminated the complaint and threats faced by their fellow journalist. Additionally, these outlets have reported allegations suggesting that the municipality of Santa Rosa de Copán is allegedly funding a social media platform named "Que Honda" with the intention of discrediting journalists and people who voice opinions contrary to their own interests.
This situation highlights a concerning weakness in Honduras’ governance, as it restricts transparent accountability by citizens. Furthermore, those obligated to exercise their right to freedom of expression through media outlets face obstacles, as powerful groups prevent any accusations against them from being voiced freely.
CFWIJ emphasizes that the Constitution of the Republic of Honduras and the American Convention on Human Rights safeguard the fundamental right to freedom of thought and expression. This right encompasses the freedom to seek, receive, and share information and ideas of all types, regardless of geographical boundaries, whether through oral, written, printed, or artistic means.
The Coalition for Women in Journalism and Women Press Freedom firmly stands in solidarity with Yalile Dubón Pérez and condemns the threats she has faced solely for fulfilling her journalistic responsibilities. We assert that the right to freedom of expression should not be curtailed through indirect methods or abuse of power, which obstruct the dissemination of information in the public's interest. We urge the authorities in Honduras to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the threats against Pérez, ensuring her safety and holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help women career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.