Curfew reimposed in Tegucigalpa

Honduras reimposed a night-time curfew on the capital Tegucigalpa that had been lifted less than two weeks ago, after violent incidents flared around the city.

“In response to disturbances late today in the capital city, a curfew will be in place,” said a government statement, which barred vehicular or pedestrian traffic from 10:00 pm (0400 GMT) to 5:00 am (1100 GMT).

Radio stations said police were deployed to disperse the protesters, who had gathered for the biggest show of support for Zelaya since his first aborted attempt to return to the country on July 5.

A previous curfew had been in force between June 28, the day President Manuel Zelaya was ousted in a military-backed coup, until the end of July.

On Tuesday, a demonstration in support of Zelaya turned violent when a group of protesters set fire to a fast-food restaurant.

The protesters were returning from a rally near the presidential palace when some began hurling rocks at a Popeye’s fried chicken restaurant, and then set fire to the establishment.

Earlier, a demonstrator on a motorcycle was shot in the ankle by a traffic policeman, enraging a crowd that then set fire to a bus.

Some protesters traveled by foot from eastern and central Honduras to converge upon the capital city.

“They are afraid of us because we are not afraid,” said Zelaya’s daughter, Hortensia, referring to the interim government led by Roberto Micheletti and quoting a popular chant among Zelaya supporters.

Source: AFP