New penalties for social protest under the Penal Code in Honduras

The recent enactment of amendments to the Criminal Code in Honduras has raised apprehension among various social and political groups in the nation. This has been viewed as a considerable alteration in the legal context overseeing civic demonstrations, particularly with the general elections set for November 30, 2025. The discourse has escalated owing to concerns that these amendments might be employed to curtail the right to protest and freedom of expression, which are essential liberties in any democratic society.

The National Congress enacted amendments that heighten the punishments for offenses associated with public protests, particularly by introducing Article 378-A. This statute specifies that any protest activity involving two or more individuals could lead to an extended prison term, ranging from six to ten years, along with total disqualification. Human rights groups and civil society members have voiced worries regarding the potential for these changes to be used to criminalize peaceful protests and limit the right to assemble and express freely.

Legal changes and their effects on public demonstrations

Changes to the Penal Code have faced criticism from both national and international entities. The increase in punishments for individuals taking part in group demonstrations is seen as a potential tool to discourage public movement. Human rights advocates claim that such measures might serve to restrict civic engagement and the practice of essential liberties. Worries grow due to the chance that these rules might be enforced in times of political or election-related contention, when public demonstrations generally rise.

Events from the 2017 elections, where reports of random detentions and suppression of demonstrators emerged, intensify concerns that such incidents might recur under the updated legal structure. Within this setting, civic groups and political figures have alerted about the potential risk of turning the criminalization of protest into an instrument for controlling opposition and limiting public involvement in vital political activities.

Global responses and demands for reconsideration

Apprehension about the effects of these changes has extended beyond domestic territories. Global organizations like the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have voiced their worries over the updated measures in the Honduran Penal Code. Both of these institutions have pressed the State to reassess the amendments to confirm they do not infringe upon the essential rights of the citizens.

In this context, it is important to guarantee respect for human rights and prevent criminal legislation from being used as a tool to repress dissent and peaceful demonstrations. The debate on the scope and application of these reforms remains open, while various sectors insist on the need to review the legal framework to ensure the effective protection of fundamental freedoms in Honduras.