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Commission supports case dismissed judges arrive in Honduras


William Adam Lone Lee et al vs. Honduras is the first case for events related to the coup

San Jose, April 5, 2011. The Human Rights Commission has admitted the case of judges Adam Lone Guillermo López, Luis Chévez de la Rocha, and Judge Ramon Barrios Flores Lanza Tirza, who were dismissed arbitrarily by demonstrations and actions against the coup d'état in Honduras on June 28, 2009.

In a statement issued last Friday, the Commission announced that the case meets the eligibility requirements set out in the American Convention on Human Rights and therefore continue to consider the request had been filed on July 5, 2010 by the Association of Judges for Democracy in Honduras (AJD) and the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL). Both organizations participated in a public hearing to discuss the case admissible on 25 March during the 141.er session of the Inter.

On May 5, 2010, judges and magistrates were dismissed by the full Court of Justice for having spoken out against the coup and in the case of Judge Flores, having lodged an protection against the expatriation of President Manuel Zelaya Rosales.

The petition filed by the AJD and denounces the violation Cejl of several human rights, among which include the right to a fair trial, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of association and the right to judicial protection.

The case of the judges and the judge dismissed the first that the Commission supports on facts related to the coup d'état in Honduras. AJD CEJIL and welcome the decision of the Inter, which questions the legality of the actions of the Honduran state at a time when the authorities insist on denying that there had been a breach of constitutional order and also maintain arbitrary sanctions against judges and Judge for exercising their right to defend democracy and the rule of law.

State's insistence on continuing these violations contradict the statements of representatives of international protection mechanisms as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and Opinion, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights Defenders and the Human Rights Council through the Universal Periodic Review.

CEJIL The AJD and continue to drive the processing of this case is particularly important not only because its resolution will result in the further restoration of the judiciary in their jobs, but because the Commission's recommendations could prompt some policy reforms that contribute to the strengthening of judicial independence and respect for freedom of expression. Given the current circumstances in Honduras, these two issues, among others, require special attention from the international community.

journalist in Costa Rica CEJIL: Dario Chinchilla

Tels: + (506) 2280-7473 / 7608

Fax: + (506) 2280-5280
dchinchilla@cejil.org
www.cejil.org