“The Tiger” Director of the Honduras National Police

Over the weekend, an article published by the Associated Press made its way around international press agencies:

“US Withholds Funds to Honduran Police”  Associated Press Report

The U.S. government is withholding funds to Honduran law enforcement units directly supervised by their new national police chief until the U.S. can investigate allegations that he ran a death squad a decade ago, according to a State Department report released this week.

The report says the State Department, “is aware of allegations of human rights violations related to Police Chief Juan Carlos Bonilla’s service” and that the U.S. government has established a working group to investigate.  Associated Press
This article was picked up and republished across the Internet, as well as TV and radio stations, and of course made its way back to Honduras, where the public has had much reaction. Following are just a few of the many water cooler¹ conversations going on today in Honduras.

Police Chief, Juan Carlos Bonilla “Tigre” would not comment on the announcement of the withdrawal of funds, but said tersely, “I have nothing to comment on U.S. policy. My commitment is to the population of Honduras, and while I am in charge, I will ensure the safety of my country. “

(Note that only one of the allegations “Tiger” Bonilla was charged with was ever brought to prosecution, at which time he was acquitted, and the decision was upheld by the Honduras Supreme Court.)

Pompeyo Bonilla, Minister of Security said, “I support the actions of the police chief, because he is acting in accordance with the law.”  Bonilla noted that the “strong accusations against “Tigre” are from groups linked to organized crime.”

“People that constantly make such allegations, and such campaigns, are doing a favor to organized crime because the actions of the police are being carried out against these groups; so, they find ways to complain. There will be zero tolerance, and that gets us into trouble and brings questions from other countries, because we live in a culture of disrespect of the law. Everyone wants to do what is best for themselves,” said the Minister.

The Security Minister said that cooperation from the government of the United States in the security area includes coordinated actions against organized crime and drug trafficking, and community actions for its prevention, and to improve safety conditions.

“All the timing and efforts are still normal. We are working on a plan of action, with our set goal of about six months, and are delivering the results that we believed we were going to achieve.”  The official said the United States is conducting research to try to disprove the allegations against the Honduras police chief.

“Investigations into allegations of human rights violations have been made, and we have communicated them. But something I do want to be very blunt about: the work he is doing is for the benefit of the Honduran people and society and the results are being seen.”

Julieta Castellanos , Rector of UNAH (National Autonomous University of Honduras), agreed that the opposition evidenced by some sectors generates indisposition.

“I agree that the police chief will have many sectors oppose his management based on the results being given.

His measures create quite an ill feeling on the sectors who no longer do not have the privileges they had before his actions against criminal cores, and that can be seen by those being persecuted and prosecuted,” said Castellanos.

The rector said that when she assumes an institution, she directs it, and can solve the problems because she has no obligations to anyone.

“I works well for me when I face institutions that are so contaminated with bad practice, because there are no commitments with any sector in order to meet and make the decisions that need to be taken,” she added.

Miguel Angel Bonilla, Communications Minister for the Honduras President Porfirio Lobo Sosa, on Saturday told The Associated Press that the President has reiterated that Bonilla has “full support” as “through his work there has been a real improvement in the situation of the country’s security.” (A sentiment echoed throughout the general public within Honduras, both local and foreign).

Since the 21st of May, when Bonilla was sworn in as director of the National Police, there have been strong actions by the police that have generated confidence in the government. These actions implicate and call for removal of upper echelons of the police as well as above them, and have shaken up those officials involved in corruption and collusion with organized crime.

On the street: “Tigre, keep up the good work, and make sure they extend your command beyond the 6 month deadline.”

On another note, it is a shame that for once we can all see true progress being made within Honduras in the area of security and corruption, and now there has been a dark cloud cast over it. To all of you Associated Press members publishing and re-publishing that AP report, at least add a little to it!

The streets are safer than they were a few months ago, but much work remains to be done. Let’s hope the accusations against “Tiger Bonilla” prove to be without merit when the US State Department concludes its independent investigation.

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¹This term was changed by the editor.  Author used the term, “water bottle conversations”, as most water dispensers here in Honduras do not use the electrical heating and cooling units associated with those in first world countries.  The term was changed to the more well known term, “water cooler conversations”.