The three individuals arrested in Honduras for involvement in a coup and assassination plot. Photo: Diario El País Honduras.
The attorney general of Honduras, Johel Zelaya, announced the arrest of Arcadio López Estrada, Perfecto Jesús Enamorado Paz, and Antonio David Catán Rivera, “formally charged with the crimes of terrorism and attempted murder as established in the Penal Code,” for a criminal conspiracy of assassination of the former Honduran president and coordinator of the ruling Libre Party, Manuel Zelaya, and overthrowing the current president, Xiomara Castro.
As reported by the Attorney General’s Office on Friday, August 14, the conspiracy aimed to paralyze the state, disrupt the constitutional order, and endanger social peace and democracy itself.
#Honduras 2/2 Según audios presentados por el Fiscal General, los detenidos planeaban provocar la “salida anticipada” de la presidenta @XiomaraCastroZ , en el marco de una conspiración para alterar el orden democratico. @teleSURtv pic.twitter.com/WswgVcY8J1
— Karim Duarte (@karimtelesurtv) August 14, 2025
He remarked that the assassination attempt against the former president is not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger plan aimed at overthrowing the current government, led by Xiomara Castro, and thus disrupting the general elections scheduled for November 30.
He stressed that this “is not a case based on conjectures or rumors. The evidence we present today is based on irrefutable facts.”
Joel Zelaya added that efforts are being made to expand the charges to cover other individuals, and urged society to rest assured that the prosecution will fulfilll its duty to ensure transparent and democratic elections.
In this regard, former President Manuel Zelaya wrote on social media that the evidence confirms that there was indeed a plan to assassinate him during the coup against him in 2009.
Los audios revelan una conspiración criminal para derrocar al gobierno de Xiomara Castro, evidenciando las perversas intenciones de sectores oscuros que buscan sabotear el proceso electoral y consumar el magnicidio planificado desde el golpe de 2009. Ahora tampoco podrán… https://t.co/xaLCJEBmo4
— Manuel Zelaya R. (@manuelzr) August 14, 2025
Meanwhile, Héctor Zelaya, private secretary to the president of Honduras, Xiomara Castro, stated that political violence has no place in the country. “Since 2009, we have denounced the hate campaign against our family, and especially against my father, Manuel Zelaya, general coordinator of the party that fights for the freedom and refoundation of Honduras, a former president overthrown in a coup d’état in 2009.”
He called the arrests announced “a firm and responsible step by the Attorney General’s Office.” He added that he believes that the investigation will continue until all the facts are clarified, the masterminds are identified, and the full weight of the law is applied. “Neither fear, nor threats, nor violence will stop the refoundation of Honduras. We remain steadfast, with more strength and conviction than ever,” he said.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/SC/DZ
