From the United States, the Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES) joins the collective mourning for the murder of Juan López on September 14, 2024, and expresses our solidarity with the community of Guapinol and their tireless struggle to defend their water and land.

We support the demands of the Municipal Committee for the Defense of the Commons and Public Goods, which include: an independent and exhaustive investigation; immediate protection for the defenders; definitive cancellation of the Emco Holdings/Los Pinares/Ecotek megaproject; immediate implementation of Decree 18-2024 that protects all protected areas in Honduras from mining; state accountability; justice and sanctions for those responsible; and an end to the stigmatization, intimidation and persecution of the people who demand justice for Juan Lopez.

As a U.S. organization, we also hold the U.S. government accountable: first, for its political and financial support of big business in Honduras and throughout the region that violates the rights of the people; and second, for its support of the narco-dictatorship in Honduras that - over the course of 12 years - allowed and entrenched the criminal and corrupt structures that have resulted in the proliferation of violent acts against community leaders such as this heinous act against Juan, his family and his community.

The violence experienced by those who lead courageous struggles to defend the water of the Guapinol River serves as yet another warning to the world about the harsh reality and danger faced by communities that oppose the oligarchic powers. However, we know that their struggle is tireless and will continue. It serves as an example of the power of an organized community, led by its faith towards a just and dignified future: the international solidarity that now embraces Juan's community and family is proof of this.

Juan López, presente!