In Honduras, the Free Speech Committee (C-Libre) confirmed the death of a journalist, marking it as the fifth reporter slain on Honduran soil this year and underscoring the ongoing dangers faced by media workers in the country.
Edwin Josué Andino Canaca, aged 23, was found shot dead near his residence early Monday after being abducted in the Central Region city of Comayagüela. In a separate yet connected tragedy, Andino Canaca’s father, Edwin Emilio Andino Amador, 48, was also killed. His body was discovered about 15 kilometers away.
The Honduran National Police described the killings as the result of a crime planned by organized crime groups. Preliminary reporting suggests a pattern in which attackers execute victims in ways that minimize attention, broad daylight or a large crowd avoided, while intruding into homes to remove the victims. Local outlets reported witnesses noting that the perpetrators wore uniforms resembling military police at the time of the incident. This description aligns with a disturbing tactic seen in other cases where attackers aim to avoid drawing public scrutiny. (attribution: Proceso)
Andino Canaca had been a collaborator with La Tribuna (LTV), a television channel that issued condolences for the journalist’s death. “LTV’s officials, directors and collaborators are deeply saddened by the loss of the young man,” the network stated, reflecting the widespread sense of shock across the country’s media landscape.
The Honduran Journalists Association called for a prompt and thorough investigation, urging authorities to clarify the circumstances and ensure accountability. A statement shared on the association’s social networks condemned the killing of Edwin Josué Andino and stressed that his death must not go unpunished. (attribution: Honduran Journalists Association)
The events have drawn attention to the perils facing reporters in Central America where organized crime and political pressures have contributed to a climate of fear for those covering crime, governance, and public accountability. Media groups and international observers continue to monitor the investigation, advocating for transparent reporting, protection for journalists, and swift justice to deter similar acts in the future. (attribution: regional press freedom observers)