Reps. Johnson, Schakowsky & Pocan issue statement on the sentencing of Berta Cáceres’s killers

Seven men who conducted murder of environmental & indigenous rights activist in 2016 sentenced to jail terms

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), along with Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL) and Mark Pocan (WI) , sponsors of “The Berta Cáceres Human Rights in Honduras Act” that calls for the suspension of U.S. funding to the Republic of Honduras for its police and military operations, issued the following statement in response to news that some of those responsible for Berta’s murder received prison sentences:     

“While these sentences are a step in the right direction, it’s only a first, small step. Although the killers who pulled the trigger on that fateful day in March 2016 may be facing a measure of justice, those who hired these hitmen and are the true architects of Berta’s murder, are still free. In its ruling, the Court noted the participation of executives and directors of the DESA company in the planning and financing of her murder. Today, we recognize progress in the pursuit of justice for Berta but stand strong with her family and friends in seeking true justice.  True justice includes trial and punishment of all those responsible for her murder, including the executives of the company building the dam, DESA, who were the masterminds and financiers of the plot.”

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