AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

Letter of Appeal from the AAAS Committee on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility

Dr. Roy Edmundo Medina
Fiscal General de la Republica
Fiscalia General, Ministerio Publico
Edificio Castillo Poujol, 4a Avda,
Colonia Palmira, Boulevard Morazan
Tegucigalpa, HONDURAS
By fax: 011 504 221 5667


Dear Mr. Attorney General:

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the largest organization of natural and social scientists in the United States and the world's largest federation of scientific organizations, with 145,000 individual members and 300 affiliated groups. AAAS publishes the preeminent scientific journal Science. The association is concerned about the role of science in the world, including the rights and responsibilities of scientists. Our AAAS Committee on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility was formed in 1976 to protect the human rights of scientists, engineers, and health professionals and to deal with issues relating to scientific freedom worldwide.

On behalf of the Committee, I am writing to express my grave concern about reports that Dr. Leo Valladares and Sonia Marlina Dubon of the Honduran National Commission for Human Rights have received death threats. According to reports from international human rights organizations, it appears that the death threats may be related to reports that Dr. Valladares has written that allege corruption in the judicial system of Honduras. I understand that the government has undertaken efforts to address charges of corruption by instituting a democratic selection process for Supreme Court justices. Dr. Valladares participated in the nomination of qualified candidates and Senora Marlina was one of the individuals nominated to serve a term on the court.

Several AAAS staff members have worked closely with Dr. Valladares. Those that know Leo describe him as dedicated defender of human rights. We urgently request that your government take immediate and effective measures to ensure his and Senora Marlina's protection. Furthermore, we request an immediate, impartial, and thorough investigation into these threats and that those responsible be brought to justice by the appropriate authorities.


Sincerely,

Carole Nagengast, Ph.D., Chair
Committee on Scientific Freedom
and Responsibility

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