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As of February 20 Honduras has new penal procedure code

From left to right: Porfirio Lobo, President of the National Congress; President Ricardo Maduro; and Vilma Morales, President of the Supreme Court of Justice.

By BLANCA MORENO

TEGUCIGALPA -- With the hope of achieving a real, timely and transparent system of justice, Hondurans woke up to a new procedural penal code on February 20.

In a historic ceremony attended by President Maduro, the head of the National Congress, Porfirio Lobo Sosa, gave the juridical instrument to his homologue in the Supreme Court of Justice, Cecilia Morales Montalvan.

During the ceremony, 26 sentencing judges were sworn in. These judges together with civil court judges will also begin the new oral and public court processes. These processes are expected to hasten judicial backlogs. In his speech the President said, “Immunity must come to an end, everyone must be treated equally under the law.” Morales also proudly stated, “Honduras is finally taking a new, direct path of respect towards human rights.”

The new procedural penal code
A legal instrument made law by Decree 9-99-E that was published in the official government daily La Gaceta on May 20, 2000. Within the code are outlined the necessary applications for the investigation of criminal actions, and the determination of guilt in order to apply the respective sentence.

Changes the new code will bring?
Oral trials: Trials will no longer be managed in a written way, but rather handled orally.

Public: Citizens have the right of knowing how justice is applied, and can attend trials.
Agility and transparency: Oral trials will be faster, however sentences will still be written. Citizen participation will guarantee the process’ transparency.

Recognition of the victim’s rights:
The new penal procedure code allows the victim to participate in the process. It has been established that victims will be heard before each decision is made in regards to suspending or ending the process. Moreover, it establishes special mechanisms so that the victim receives compensation for the harm the process caused her/him.

Respect of a person’s rights: The new code has rules aimed at impeding abuses from authorities against the people. The principle of innocence is revalued, in an attempt of stopping illegal detention.

The Public Ministry will be in charge of the investigation 
The Public Ministry will be in charge of criminal investigations, and will have the cooperation of the police, and of new, modern, technical elements that will make investigation easier. Formerly judges handled the investigations of each case.

Crime fighting: The new code allows the concession of legal benefits to people that provide useful information that could lead to finding those responsible of complex crimes or major illegal actions committed by organized crime. 

Anticipated conclusion: The new code establishes conflict alternative solutions, thus optimizing the State’s resources. 

What are these alternatives?
Opportunity criteria: The Public Ministry has the faculty of refraining from pursuing minor crimes, as long as the accused repairs the damage caused to the victim.

Conditional suspension of the process: Consists in leaving the process in suspense, whenever the accused commits to complying with all the restrictions or conditions imposed by the judge, while repairing the damaged caused.

Conciliation: Consists in putting an end to the conflict through the agreement achieved between the victim and the accused for damage repairing purposes. 

Brief procedure: Consists in putting an end to a swiftly initiated process, whenever the accused accepts the facts, and thus has his penalty reduced as a benefit.

Accused conformity: Occurs when the accused accepts the facts before initiating the trial, and he/she might even receive, depending on the circumstances, the minimum penalty established by law for the committed crime.

What can the crime’s victim do?
Present a complaint or accusation at the offices of the Preventive Police, the Investigative Police or the Public Ministry.

As a victim, you must follow these recommendations:
- Go to the nearest police or Public Ministry office, and have identity card with you.
- Narrate details of event.
- You must provide any proof you have available, or point out any evidence you know about.
- You must provide any information you might have that could help find witnesses.
- Payment is not necessary to file a complaint.
- You must request the number of the complaint or a copy of the written form. Note: You must keep this information in order to be able to follow up the investigation process. 

Ex-President Callejas receives provisional freedom

After voluntarily presenting himself in court, ex-President Rafael Leonardo Callejas was granted provisional liberty by Judge Mildra Castillo on Thursday. Callejas is accused of several cases of abuse of authority and falsification of documents, amongst other charges. The District Attorney Ledyn Torres announced he will seek annulment of Judge Castillos resolution because he is not in agreement with the manner in which the process is being carried out. —El Heraldo 

Honduran government will lose US$42 million in bankruptcy payments

The President of the National Banking and Insurance Commission, Ana Cristina Mejia, announced this week that of the Lps. 1,8 billion destined to cover deposits of bankrupt financial institutions, the government will not be able to recuperate Lps 670 million (US$42 million). Mejia explained that the amounted recuperated from sale of the assets of these institutions did not cover government expenditure.—El Heraldo

C.A. will present framework of Free Trade Agreement to the United States

On Monday, representatives of the Ministries of Industry and Commerce of Central America approved a general framework for the Free Trade Agreement with the United States, with the purpose of presenting it to U.S. government officials in a meeting to be held on February 25 and 26 in Washington, D.C.

Honduran Minister Juliette Handal stated that Central American nations could not wait for the United States to design the framework and did the work themselves. She also stated that unavoidably some countries will be at a disadvantage in comparison with others. — La Tribuna

Ex-minister of Finance claims International Monetary 
Fund objectives were met

In the face of the present governments declaration that the previous government did not meet international lending institution objectives, the ex-Minister of Finance, Gabriela Nunez made a radio address on Thursday denying such allegations. Nunez stated the previous government did meet all the requirements and that President Flores government was complimented on his administration by the IMF. She also stated that despite all setbacks, Hurricane Mitch and plunging international market prices for traditional exports, Honduras was able to negotiate new financing for three consecutive years. “For the first time, debt relief and multilateral debt condonation representing 65% of the country’s burden was negotiated through the implementation of poverty reduction programs,” she said. —La Tribuna

Oscar Kilgore will fire 1,110 municipal employees in 
San Pedro Sula

After hold a meeting with President Maduro, the new San Pedro Mayor, Oscar Kilgore announced that 1,000 people are enough to run the industrial city’s municipal government. For this reason, 1,110 current employees will be fired. “The city’s salary payroll increased Lps. 53 million in the past six months, it is not possible to continue spending taxpayer contributions just to cover this expense,” Kilgore said. —La Tribuna

Germany donates medical equipment to Hospital Escuela

The German government recently donated medical equipment worth Lps. 300 thousand to the oropharyngeal service of the Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa. Ambassador Thomas Bruns explained that the donation includes equipment to perform delicate larynx surgeries, breathing ventilators, scissors, tweezers and other materials that were given to the service's chief, Dr. Obdulio Tinoco.

Roxana Portillo, Director of Health Protection and Promotion, and Rigoberto Cuellar Alvarenga, the Hospital Escuela's General Director also attended the donation ceremony. 

According to Tinoco, an average of 320 patients receive medical attention by eight specialists, not including the cases that are referred to the medical residents. Every specialist performs at least four surgeries weekly. 

"We are grateful to receive this valuable equipment, ours was getting old, while the demand continues growing," said Tinoco. He added that most of the cases he attends are related to nose problems, including allergies, bacterial and viral infections, throat problems and at a minor level, ear infections and tumors. Approximately 40 percent of the patients are children.

International organized crime after President Maduro
Police investigates alleged assassination plot

By BLANCA MORENO

TEGUCIGALPA -- Undercover police officers confirmed last week that president Ricardo Maduro was the target of an assassination plot being schemed by members of two international bands of organized crime. As a result of preliminary information obtained by law enforcement agencies from an informer, a special task force was created and sent to the north coast of Honduras to investigate. The team was only able to recover traces of information concerning a band of criminals that travels regularly to Guatemala via Puerto Cortes after detaining it's alleged leader, Benedicto Villanueva of El Salvador. Villanueva was captured after police shot to death his son, Johnny Anthony Villanueva (19). A search of the criminal's home revealed an arsenal of heavy weapons that are supposedly used exclusively for military purposes. Documents relating to military operations, banks chosen as possible holdup targets and newspaper photographs featuring important businessmen, politicians and military personnel were also discovered. Another interesting finding was an invoice made out to Ricardo Maduro for Lps. 400 used to purchase transmission equipment (cables, antennas and screws, etc.), for use in listening in on police radio frequencies.

According to the regional Chief of Police, Juan Carlos Bonilla, the informant warned him on January 24 that the assassination of Maduro was going to take place during inaugural ceremony of San Pedro Sula's mayor, Oscar Kilgore, on January 25th at the Metropolitan Olympic Gymnasium. 

Security operations
As a result of the assassination plot, the government issued an official press release condemning continued criminal impunity throughout the country. "Any threat against the people of Honduras is considered a threat against the president of the Republic, therefore, the government reaffirms its total willingness to continue waging war on crime..." "Increased security measures have been taken with the purpose of preserving the physical integrity of the President of the Republic." Meanwhile, the president played the whole event down, stating that enough proof had not been collected and reaffirming, "Ricardo Maduro is more committed than ever to this issue."

U.S. will help improve tax revenue collection systems

Mario Duarte Caballero, the Director of the Executive Revenue Department, announced this week that the U.S. is interested in cooperating with Honduras inasmuch as improving tax collection is concerned. Caballero stated the U.S. Ambassador, Frank Almaguer, visited his department this week with the purpose of discussing the different projects being executed to achieve fiscal objectives for the year 2002. The Ambassador stated he is interested in continuing support of ongoing projects and initiating new programs that will increase government revenues. In accordance with the national budget, the tax department should collect 21 billion lempiras this year, an amount government officials consider nearly impossible to accumulate given past circumstances. "We are seeking a more efficient method of cross checking tributary identification that would make our work easier, this step implies modifying the Tributary Registration Law, both personal and juridical," said Caballero. --El Heraldo

Closed-door session on money laundering bill

The much-awaited congressional debate of the money-laundering bill began on Wednesday. And, although legislative meetings are usually open to the press, part of this session was closed when representatives of the Public Ministry explained to congressmen the different manners in which money launderers work in Honduras. Sources from the District Attorney's Office said that currently 50 arrest warrants have been issued for money laundering, nine most recently. Another source present in the congressional session stated that some cases involve Colombian citizens. One of the most debated issues was whether representatives from the Public Ministry should have access to information concerning bank accounts; Congress did not approve this point due to the temporary status of Public Ministry employees. On Thursday, the discussion was temporarily halted when congress sent the bill to the Supreme Court for analysis concerning possible contradictions with regards to the Constitution. During two sessions, legislative members have only been able to agree upon four articles contained in the bill. --La Tribuna

Cost of electricity will increase soon 

As Congress recently ratified the purchase of 170 megawatts of energy from private companies, it is expected the cost of electricity will soon be increased. Earlier this week, the National Congress and the Executive Power signed contracts renting three thermal generating plants for a period of two years at an additional cost of 400 million lempiras to the national electric company, ENEE. Apparently the new contracts are for US$00.127 a kilowatt rather than the normal US$00.57 a kilowatt price; this increase signifies higher operating costs. ENEE management however insisted that for now the price will not go up, and that any increase will be the decision of the National Energy Commission, the entity responsible for carrying out feasibility studies. --El Heraldo

Child abuser arrested in Honduras sentenced to 30 years in prison


Arrested in Honduras in 1998, the 61 year-old Australian Robert "Dully" Dunn was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison by his country's authorities. Dunn, a former science teacher was found guilty of 24 out of 91 charges of sexual abuse against children. According to trail reports, during 1986 and 1995, Dunn sexually abused eight children aged seven to 15 in Australia. In 1996, he fled the country seeking refuge in Indonesia, where he continued committing the same felony. Later Dunn traveled to Honduras and visited different cities including La Ceiba, Trujillo, Roatan, Olanchito, Tela and San Pedro Sula. He also spent time in Antigua, Guatemala. In 1998, he was found managing a pizza restaurant located inside the Hotel California in Copan. According to ABC Australian television station, Dunn would hire children aged 10 to 12 whom he would sexually abuse and then immediately fire. No charges were ever filed against Dunn in Honduras. In a coordinated mission carried out by international authorities in 1998, Dunn was arrested in Honduras, sent to the United States and then extradited to Australia, where in January 2002 he was finally sentenced to prison.


Ex -cop gets first life sentence

TEGUCIGALPA--For the first time in the history of the Honduran justice system, a criminal was sentenced to not one but two life sentences plus an additional 30-year prison term. Jorge Arturo Menjivar is the first person to receive a life sentence after he was accused and condemned of triple robbery, double murder and attempted murder. According to the daily La Tribuna, the court determined that on April 7, 2001, Menjivar, a policeman and his partner Agent Jairo René Suazo (fugitive), murdered Wilmer Alfredo Romero (22), and Cristian Lisandro Diaz (18) and attempted to murder Jose Ivan Canales after they had detained the young men for driving a car without the proper vehicle registration papers. According to witnesses, at gunpoint the policemen forced the victims to drive to an empty field near the highway leading into San Pedro Sula. First they robbed the boys of their valuables and then they made them kneel down and shot them in the head, only Canales managed to escape.

German Allan Padget dies

The Minister of Culture during the last government, German Allan Padget, died on Wednesday in a hospital in Havana, Cuba. Padget, a journalist, during his long and distinguished career held several jobs including: editor, writer, reporter, publisher, radio commentator, radio and television screenwriter as well as the Honduran Consul and Press Secretary in New York City.


Maduro encourages society to join "Zero Tolerance" strategy

By BLANCA MORENO

TEGUCIGALPA -- Just four days after being sworn in as president of Honduras, Ricardo Maduro declared a war on crime. He began his campaign in the Barrio "Campo Cielo," a poor neighborhood located northeast of the capital. Traditionally, Tegucigalpa's slums have been the scenario of cruel, criminal actions and gang warfare, a fact that drove Maduro to send out an appeal to all of society's sectors to join forces and become "soldiers" in this war. 

Maduro toured the neighborhood's dusty streets in a jeep first and then on foot, blending in with the large group of residents, soldiers and police officers who accompanied him. They also expressed their will to collaborate with him. The campaign will originally cover the cities of San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and Choluteca before extending to other areas of the country; and is being carried out in coordination with the judicial system, the District Attorney's Office and the National Congress to assure the appropriate legal frame and budget for success. 

The Ministry of Finance is providing Lps. 10 million from emergency funds as preliminary funding and President Maduro is requesting a re-assignation of budget allocations to cover the cost of this cause. "We are talking about a 70 to 80 percent budget increase just this first year. If we waste Lps. 27, 28 billion, how can we say we don't have three, four or five hundred million more to provide the security the people need?" said Maduro. "We will request of Congress an initial re-assignation of more than Lps. 140 million, but we will need a lot more, that amount will only cover the cost of the operations." 

More actions to come

Maduro explained, "This is the first step we are taking towards reducing the impunity that criminals have been perceiving on a national level." At the same time, we will also carry out a program to enhance the training and equipping of law officers and increase their numbers; as well as purge and consolidate the Honduran Armed Forces.

"The Honduran people need readily available Armed and Police Forces. However, these must possess a high degree of professionalism and effectiveness in order to defend not only our national sovereignty but all citizens against criminals."

Surrounded by humble, poor people, Maduro encouraged everyone to cooperate with police stations and use the special crime reporting telephone numbers. "I am not evading my responsibility, I was elected to deal with the insecurity problem. I am aware that the only way to solve it in the long run is by eliminating the social causes of insecurity: the lack of an appropriate education, health care system and adequate housing. All this implies an economic reactivation as well," the president emphasized. So far, the entire nation is applauding his actions against crime.

Bolanos, Maduro and Flores hold meeting in Belize 

The presidents of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador; Enrique Bolanos, Ricardo Maduro and Francisco Flores respectively, held a meeting this week in Belize from which they concluded that their three countries should be able to shortly resolve conflicts that have evolved over territorial disputes. Although the reunion was informal, President Bolanos said, "The democratic process has led to political change in our countries; we have new presidents, a new mentality and new winds of economic and commercial integration." He also announced a group of Nicaraguan businessmen has been assigned the task of meeting with Honduran businessmen with the purpose of analyzing the economic sanction imposed on Honduras in 1999 by Nicaragua; a 35% import tax on Honduran goods was instated when Honduras signed a maritime treaty with Columbia that Nicaragua disputes. Tensions between Honduras and El Salvador were high a few weeks ago, when the previous Honduran government petitioned the United Nations Security Council's intervention in completing border demarcation between the two countries. -La Tribuna

Budget rearranging 

The vice-minister of Finance, William Chong Wong, announced on Tuesday that monies previously assigned to the different Departments of State would be reduced by 17 percent; these resources will then be distributed accordingly between the health, education and security sectors. Finance representatives met with the new cabinet members to explain the management of the Income and Expense Budget for 2002. The vice-minister explained that each Ministry would have to reformulate its budget, and apply austerity measures by avoiding and or eliminating unnecessary costs. "The budget approved during the last legislature was balanced; later, however, 288 million lempiras were approved without backing and can only be covered by increased income and or expense," said Chong Wong. If we don't utilize budget resources appropriately, it will be hard to avoid a Lps. 1.6 billion deficit, he added. -La Tribuna

Coralia Rivera de Coca, new Chief of Police 

After a general shake up within the preventive police hierarchy last week, President Maduro decided to give Deputy Commissioner Coralia Rivera de Coca the job of Chief of the Preventive Police Force. When Maduro began implementing his zero tolerance policy last week, the then Chief of Police, Alvaro Flores Ponce resigned his post after thirty years of service and was substituted by Rafael Arias. However, Rivera de Coca substituted Arias, who will now be named Deputy Chief of Police. Flores Ponce will become an adviser to the Minister of Security, Juan Angel Arias Rodriguez. -La Tribuna

Bank robbers caught in less than 24 hours 

Police forces outshone themselves on Thursday, when only 24 hours after a bank robbery, they identified the six criminals involved in the heist and captured ringleader, Melvin Raymundo Oviedo Linares. Possessions seized along with Oviedo included jewelry, a cell phone, a Police Investigator's badge, a large amount of money and several domestic appliances. Oviedo has a previous police record for charges of kidnapping and armed robbery. At the present time, police are also investigating his involvement in other criminal activities including armed robbery of banks, pawnshops, private homes, and stores:; as well as murder. -La Tribuna

Tegucigalpa transformed

Miguel Pastor of the National Party was sworn on Friday, January 25, as the Mayor of the Capital City of Tegucigalpa. During his campaign, Miguel promised to clean up and transform the city in 180 days; it was a welcome surprise on Monday, January 28, when heavy machinery was seen removing the remaining remnants of destruction caused by Hurricane Mitch in Comayagüela. 

Maduro will strive for medium development

Newly sworn in President Ricardo Maduro, pictured to the right of the President of Congress, Porfirio Lobo, waves to the stadium full of supporters.


By SUYAPA CARIAS

TEGUCIGALPA -To teach by example, to fight all forms of insecurity and corruption, and to create a new, popular, business social class, featured among the promises made by Ricardo Maduro Joest last Sunday in Tegucigalpa, during his inauguration speech as the 71st constitutional president of Honduras. 

An especially-for-the-occasion, brightened-up Tiburcio Carias Andino national stadium hosted the official ceremony where Liberal Carlos Roberto Flores turned over the presidency to the nation's newly elected leader. 

The event attracted not only the attention of the Honduran people, but also that of a large number of international guests from nearly 70 delegations, the highest number registered ever.

Among the dignitaries and representatives from invited nations who attended the historic activity were Mexico's First Lady and journalist, Laura Fox, the Prince of Asturias, Felipe de Borbon and Greece, as well the presidents of Guatemala, Alfonso Portillo; El Salvador, Francisco Flores; Costa Rica, Miguel Angel Rodriguez; Nicaragua, Enrique Bolanos; Panama, Mireya Moscoso; and Colombia, Andres Pastrana. 

Thousands of Maduro sympathizers woke up early that cool morning to attend the public act. Around 8 a.m., the delegations began arriving. To everybody's regret, President Flores was not accompanied by his wife, Mary Flake de Flores, but rather his daughter, Lizzy Flores Flake. 

The stadium was full when President-Elect Ricardo Maduro and his three daughters, Carolina (31), Cecilia (25) and Lorena (21), arrived after attending mass in the Tegucigalpa Cathedral. After being sworn in, he addressed the cheering crowd as the first Honduran president of the 21st century.

True transformation
"I propose that this government be the one that brings about a true national transformation!" said Maduro, as he began his speech. "The people's choice is clear. I have been elected primarily to fight against insecurity, murder, kidnapping, and robbery; to tirelessly fight against and to defeat criminals..." He then requested the members of the National Congress support the budget and legal initiatives necessary to make the campaign against insecurity a successful one.

Encompassing several social issues, the President went on to say that one of the new government's goals is an educational system where no child begins life at a disadvantage. "I have said it before, public education can not and should not be used as the patrimony of the party in power. Education is the future, and therefore the patrimony of all Hondurans." 

With regards to the health care system, Maduro said regretfully, "the poorest are often the victims of an inadequate primary system lacking in personnel, medicines and materials. Reforming the system is a major challenge which will be prioritized."

Addressing the housing deficit, President Maduro stated, "Another part of the social debt Hondurans are currently carrying on their shoulders is the shortage of homes, more than half of our country's people do not live in a decent house," and promised, "We will promote financing for the majority." 

Medium level development
The president reminded his countrymen his interest in achieving a medium level development for Honduras; an objective that requires a special effort in the main areas of the economy: tourism, the garment industry, agriculture and forestry.

"Only by focusing on the activities in which we possess competitive potential, and by combining these with human development, will we be able to increase our levels of production."
Maduro also emphasized the need to support the micro enterprise sector. "I want to see the market vendor, the tortilla maker and the small businessman grow and prosper - I propose the creation of a broad-based, popular, strong and growing business social class!"

Regarding the steady stream of Hondurans immigrating to other nations; the President pointed out that in order to stop the search for a better life elsewhere, ample opportunities for everyone must provided here. "I know this is a long-term task, and in recognition of the sacrifice made by those who have left, I promise to work arduously towards legalizing their status in other countries." 

Political changes
Maduro intends to carry out a series of political changes, including the manner in which members of Congress are elected. He wants them to be directly elected by the districts which they represent; and their vote on any bill introduced in congress, be made individually and public. He will reinforce government decentralization and the participation of society at large in the national transformation process.

The president also reminded fellow Central Americans of the historic mission they must fulfill in terms of integration. "United, we must continue promoting integration and building up our region; we must take advantage of our shared cultural roots, language and history."

Finishing his speech, President Maduro made one last request of the people of Honduras, "I exhort you to undertake your respective task, whatever it may be, with responsibility and dedication, so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy what our generation could not."

President Maduro swears in new cabinet members

By BLANCA MORENO

TEGUCIGALPA - Immediately following his inauguration ceremony in Tegucigalpa, President Ricardo Maduro swore in his new cabinet. Four women are on the team, as well as a good number of Presidential advisors who are businessmen, technicians and friends. Ricardo Alvarez became the president's Private Secretary, and Ramón Medina Luna will head the newly created Ministry of Strategical Affairs. 

Elias Lizardo is the new Minister of Health; Federico Breve Travieso occupies the Department of State of Defense; Guillermo Perez directs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Arturo Alvarado is in charge of the Ministry of Finance; Thierry de Pierrefeu leads the Ministry of Tourism; Carlos Avila is the Minister of Education; Jorge Carranza became the Minister of Communications, Public Works and Transportation (SOPTRAVI); Jorge Carranza was assigned the Ministry of Security; the Minister to the Presidency is Luis Consenza; Mariano Jimenez leads Agriculture and German Leitzelar is the new Labor Minister. Juliette Handal heads the Ministry of Industry and Commerce; Patricia Panting has the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment under her charge; the President of the Honduran Central Bank is María Elena Mondragon; and Erasmo Portillo is the new director of the National Agrarian Institute. 

New President of Mayan builders

By DON PEARLY

COPAN RUINAS - He came to the town of Copan as the new duly appointed President of Honduras, but seemed to gain the power of the past amidst the Ruins at Copan.

President Maduro has the poise and presence of a world leader, and yet still retains the soul of a caring, giving man who loves people. You can see in his eyes the sparkle of life. 

He emits a friendly personality that makes you feel he knows your there. Oh, there is definitely a new confidence, a new contentment in his smile, but it is the same man we voted in as our leader.

Thousands of on-lookers were thrilled to catch a glimpse of him as he drove or walked by. You could see that everyone there, in the Plaza, on the streets and roads, in the beautiful Park at Copan were extremely happy for him, and would be willing to work with him toward a better nation. Modestly dressed villagers, Presidents of other nations, and dignitaries from all over the world were all there to wish him well.

After a brief meeting with the dignitaries from other countries, he walked with some lovely, well-disciplined, school girls carrying candles all the way to the Acropolis where the invitees were patiently waiting. As he strolled in, the crowd rose to their feet and applauded their new leader. He appeared to me both proud and yet humbled by the attention. I believe the photograph tells the story.

Eight women elected as Supreme Court Magistrates

By MARIA FIALLOS

TEGUCIGALPA - Despite an attempt to discredit a list of candidates for Supreme Court Magistrates elaborated by an especially appointed Nominating Board, in the end, the National Congress chose to adhere to the Board's 45 nominees. 

These were chosen from a roster of 169 persons nominated by different sectors of civil society; and after a long selection process in which valid objections were openly made as well as heeded too.

Last Friday night (Jan. 25), after nearly a week of discussions, 15 new magistrates were appointed by the legislative body and sworn in by Congressional President, Porfirio Lobo. As previously agreed upon, eight national and seven liberal party members were chosen. These are:

National Party
Vilma Morales 
Elena Cardona
Nicolás Garcia 
Ovidio Navarro
Armando Flores Carias
Jose Rolando Arriaga 
Suyapa Tuman

Liberal Party
Teodolinda Pineda 
Sonia Marlina Dubon
Daisy Rodriguez
Carlos Alberto Gomez
Marco Tulio Barahona
Martha Castro 
Blanca Valladares

The appeal claiming the Nominating Board's list unconstitutional was withdrawn the same night due to pressure applied by the different sectors, then President-elect Ricardo Maduro and even the Catholic Church. Cries of a threatened democracy and social chaos saved the day. 

The newly appointed magistrates later elected Vilma Morales as President of the Supreme Court of Justice.

War on Crime

By sending hundreds of police and military personnel on patrol to protect Honduran citizens; President Ricardo Maduro, in the company of the Ministers of Defense and of Security, began on Wednesday, a war on crime. The President and his ministers accompanied the troops to a poor neighborhood in Tegucigalpa were the attack began. By noon, more than 500 people had been arrested. The campaign is scheduled to first cover major cities, Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba and Choluteca, then spread out to smaller towns and rural areas. The initial cost is estimated at Lps.10 million. --La Tribuna

First law is crime law

With the goal of protecting people and their possessions in mind, and by using his first executive decree, number 001-2002, President Ricardo Maduro launched his zero tolerance policy. The decree enabled the President to order the Defense Department put at his disposal defense personnel and any other means available and needed to effectively fight crime and arrest criminals,. The State Department of Government and Justice was also ordered to cooperate with the Department of Security and provide any support necessary to assure internal peace and the normal functioning of private and public institutions.

The State Departments of Defense, Security and Government will develop plans, programs and cooperation agreements between their respective offices as well as define the duration of the same.

Other points considered: the Constitution guarantees Honduran citizens and foreigners residing in the country, the right to the inviolability of life, to personal safety, to freedom and to own property.-La Tribuna

Petroleum prices expected to rise again

Due to a reduction in the production of crude oil by petroleum exporters, the price of the petroleum derivatives may rise again this weekend warned businessman, Henry Arevalo.

The new price structure will be made public after a meeting between the Petroleum Technical Unit and distributors is held.

According to Arevalo, petroleum production was reduced by two million barrels this month, consequently this week's increase in price. -La Tribuna

New government cuts costs-austerity is the  name of the game

Although he would not confirm a massive layoff, the Minister of Finance, Arturo Alvarado, did say that unnecessary government jobs will be eliminated, "Reducing bureaucracy doesn't just mean decreasing the number of employees; however, in the case of redundancy, it's obviously going to happen." he said.

Alvarado stated other bureaucratic costs such as office rentals will be reduced by not spending large amounts of money for leases on empty government buildings. He also said that, as they pledged austerity to their fellow citizens, the new Ministers have been instructed not to use government vehicles but rather their own. -La Tribuna