Environmental Activist Juan Lopez Murdered in Honduras Amidst Rising Threats

Environmental activist Juan Lopez, who opposed mining and hydro-electric projects in northern Honduras, was killed Saturday night. Lopez, part of the Municipal Committee for the Defense of Common and Public Goods, faced threats for his efforts preserving local rivers and forests. The United Nations condemned the murder.

Environmental activist Juan Lopez was tragically killed in northern Honduras, police announced on Sunday. Lopez had been a vocal opponent of mining and hydro-electric projects, fighting to preserve tropical forests and rivers.

Lopez was ambushed and shot on Saturday night by several men as he was driving home from church, according to an anonymous official. A member of the Municipal Committee for the Defense of Common and Public Goods, Lopez had faced years of threats and harassment.

The group Lopez belonged to had received precautionary measures from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and faced persistent intimidation. The United Nations' Alice Shackelford condemned the killing and praised Lopez's brave activism.

(With inputs from agencies.)