Roosevelt Hernández Appears in Court

Roosevelt Hernández once led Honduras’ armed forces. Now the retired general is appearing before the courts as an accused citizen, facing charges connected to alleged abuses against journalists and freedom of expression.

“I have come to submit myself to justice, I believe in justice,” Hernández said briefly during his recent appearance. The former chief of the Joint Chiefs of Staff arrived with state security, but the people who once surrounded and praised him were no longer at his side, according to the account.

Hernández is scheduled to face a hearing on Tuesday, September 1. His defense is reportedly seeking by every available means to annul the actions initiated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Prosecutors have invoked the United Nations Rabat Plan of Action, which addresses hate speech and the defense of freedom of expression.

The charges include incitement to discrimination and limiting or obstructing fundamental rights to the detriment of journalists and press freedom. Journalists Rodrigo Wong Arévalo, director and owner of Canal 10, Dagoberto Rodríguez, director of Radio Cadena Voces, reporter Adán López and Juan Carlos Sierra, president of the Honduran Journalists’ Association, accused Hernández of offenses against them and journalism.

The proceedings mark the first time a high-ranking Honduran military officer has faced charges over alleged violations of freedom of expression, the account said. It also cited a survey by Jesuit organizations, according to which only 18.3% of citizens trusted the armed forces during Hernández’s leadership, while more than 64% of Hondurans believed freedom of expression was routinely disrespected in the country.

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I have come to submit myself to justice, I believe in justice.