Hold Honduras accountable

Opinion: January 6, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

Los Angeles Times: Honduras has the highest homicide rate in the world, according to the United Nations, and its government has long been plagued by allegations of corruption and human rights abuses. A 2009 military coup deepened political rifts and eroded public trust in democratic institutions. And a recent Human Rights Watch report found that officials have yet to bring to justice many of those allegedly responsible for violations committed after the coup.

Indeed, the crisis appears to be growing more acute. In November, Rep. Howard Berman, D-Calif., asked Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to re-evaluate U.S. aid to Honduras in light of recent killings, including the deaths of two unarmed students. One of those students was the son of a university rector who served on the truth commission that investigated the 2009 coup, Berman noted. Four police officers were arrested in connection with the deaths but released days later without explanation. And human rights observers say the killings continue. In December, a former anti-narcotics advisor and outspoken critic of government corruption was gunned down and a prominent journalist was shot to death outside her home.

Now Congress has stepped in, cutting off some of the nearly $70 million in annual aid earmarked for the country. That’s an important start. Temporarily withholding 20 percent of the estimated $1.8 million designated for police and military assistance could help persuade President Porfirio Lobo to adopt reforms.

Honduras needs assistance, but it also needs to be held accountable.