Honduras, 15 Years After the Coup: An Interview With Ousted President Manuel Zelaya
Jul 26, 2024
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Former President Manuel Zelaya discusses the 2009 coup in Honduras, US involvement, the left's resurgence under his wife's presidency, controversial elections, elite influence, and reflections on happiness and human nature.
Honduran coup aftermath included drug trade collusion and migrant exodus.
Drug cartels collaborate with politicians across political spectrums for power.
Zelaya emphasizes justice, freedom, and political change for equitable systems.
Deep dives
Celebration of the 15-Year Anniversary of the 2009 Coup in Honduras
A commemorative event was held in Honduras to mark the 15th anniversary of the 2009 coup. The celebration included government officials from Cuba, Venezuela, and Mexico, and activists from Latin America. The event highlighted the challenges faced by the Honduran people during the 13 years of right-wing rule supported by the US, including repression and neoliberal policies.
Juan Orlando Hernandez and Narco-Trafficking
Juan Orlando Hernandez, a former president of Honduras, was sentenced to 45 years in prison for drug trafficking. He was involved in corruption and fraud during elections with US support. The history of drug trafficking in Latin America reveals how drug cartels collaborate with politicians, irrespective of political affiliations, for profit and power.
Manuel Zelaya's Political Perspective and Hope for Change
Manuel Zelaya, the former president of Honduras, shared his political insights on achieving fair governments and a better world. He emphasized the importance of justice, power, and freedom for all individuals. Zelaya expressed his faith in the people's ability to create equitable systems and highlighted the need for political change to address inequality and promote democracy.
Young Government Implementing Modest Reforms
The government highlighted at a 15-year event that many young members in the cabinet were former activists from the resistance movement after the 2009 coup. They showcased a video of young student leaders who were previously beaten by police, now holding key cabinet positions. Despite being young, the cabinet is navigating post-right wing governance and focusing on modest reforms without radical nationalization.
Challenges and Hopes for Palestine
During an interview with former President Manuel Zelaya, concerns over the ongoing conflict in Palestine were discussed. Issues such as international community involvement, criminalization of military actions, and managing sovereign boundaries in the region were highlighted. The interview emphasized the importance of understanding the complex dynamics between Israel and Palestine to address the humanitarian and political challenges effectively.
On June 28, 2009, democratically elected Honduran President Manuel Zelaya was ousted by a military coup. In response to Zelaya's push for a poll to gauge public interest in constitutional changes, the Honduran Supreme Court ordered the military to arrest him. He was then sent to Costa Rica in his pajamas.
The coup led to nearly 13 years of right-wing rule, marked by collusion with drug trafficking organizations, widespread privatization, violence, repression, and a significant migrant exodus. During this period, the Honduran left organized a strong resistance movement. In 2022, Xiomara Castro, Zelaya’s wife and a leader of the anti-coup resistance, was elected president, signaling a major shift in the country's history.
In this episode of Deconstructed, Zelaya sits down for an exclusive interview with journalist José Olivares to discuss the 15th anniversary of the coup, the ensuing resistance movement, the right-wing and drug trafficking organizations' control, and the U.S. government's role and influence. Host Ryan Grim and Olivares delve into Zelaya's interview, recent developments in Honduran history, and present the full Spanish-language interview with Zelaya.
Deconstructed is a production of Drop Site News. This program was brought to you by a grant from The Intercept.
To read the full English-language transcript of Zelaya's interview, visit DropSiteNews.com or TheIntercept.com.
