"Sources told me that I am being monitored and that my radio and TV programmes are being recorded . . . I decided to publicise this information as a way of protecting myself," said the journalist.
(C-Libre/IFEX) – 6 July 2012, Tegucigalpa, Honduras – Journalist David Corea, coordinator of the La Verdad news programme on Radio Stereo Linda and a reporter for the Centro de Noticias de Colon (CNC) in Tocoa, Colón department, says that he will hold local mayor Héctor Rolando Hernández and representatives from the “RDD” mining company responsible for any attempts on his life.
Corea told C-Libre that a source told him: “Be careful what you say, they are keeping an eye on you. The mayor said that the mining project will go ahead no matter what, even if there is bloodshed.”
Corea said that his investigation into mining activities in the area led him to discover and disclose anomalies in the mining project, as well as the close links between the mayor and the two companies that plan to set up in the region under the name of “RDD”.
“Sources I trust told me that the mayor has ordered that I be monitored and my radio and TV programmes be recorded. They are putting together a file on me, which had not happened before. I decided to publicise this information as a way of protecting myself,” said the journalist.
He added that his constant reporting on rural issues, mining companies and the recent sale of expired medications to minors could be enough to result on an attempt on his life.
C-Libre calls on President Porfirio Lobo Sosa, the Secretary for the Office of Justice and Human Rights, Ana Pineda, and the national police to provide protection for Corea and ensure that he can safely carry out his work.
C-Libre also calls on international human rights organisations to express their support and solidarity for Corea.
(Please note this is an abridged translation.)
