Schakowsky reacts to expert investigation on the assassination of Honduran activist Berta Caceres

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Chief Deputy Whip and member of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, released the following statement in response to a report by an independent team of experts investigating the assassination of indigenous and labor rights activist Berta Caceres in Honduras.

“Berta Caceres was murdered in cold blood almost two years ago, and justice has yet to be served.

“The report released this week gives us clear and unequivocal evidence of how carefully orchestrated the assassination plot was and how rampant the impunity has been. It is unacceptable that, despite the mounting international and domestic pressure, the Honduran Public Ministry has dragged its feet and refused to conduct a thorough and fair investigation. Berta’s family has put themselves in great personal danger and spared no expense to ensure that this private investigation was completed. Now it is time for justice to be served. The Honduran government should know that the world is watching, and that their mishandling of this crucial trial will not go unnoticed. An ally of the United States like Honduras must commit to fostering an independent press, an impartial judicial system, and a robust and free civil society.”