Honduran lawmaker denies watchdog report on violence, graft

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – The president of Honduras’ governing party is denying an international watchdog’s report that alleges she and her husband are among dozens of people linked to corruption and violence against land activists.

Gladys Aurora Lopez is vice-president of congress and leads the National Party. She is calling for London-based Global Witness to retract the report it released this week. Lopez said Wednesday it is “false, misrepresented and manipulated information” that “harms my prestige and the image of Honduras.”

Global Witness featured Lopez prominently in its report. It said her husband controlled a hydroelectric project in western Honduras that was opposed by indigenous activists, three of whom have been slain. It also said his two dam projects received licenses when she was in congress, a possible conflict of interest.

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