Conviction in Cáceres Murder a Key Step for Justice in Honduras

Washington, D.C.—On Monday, July 5, 2021, David Castillo, the former head of hydroelectric company Desarrollos Energéticos or DESA, was found guilty of being co-collaborator in ordering the 2016 murder of Berta Cáceres, Honduran Indigenous and environmental activist and leader. The high court in Honduras found that Castillo used paid informants and his military background to monitor Caceres for years. Based on the evidence, including phone records, the court ruled that he coordinated, planned and obtained the money to pay for Caceres assassination. Castillo is the eighth person convicted in relation to the Berta Cáceres case. In reaction, WOLA Director for Citizen Security Adriana Beltrán issued the following quote: 

“For the family of Berta Cáceres, the Lenca community, other Indigenous and environmental activists, and Honduras as a whole, this verdict is an important victory in the search for truth and justice for the murder of Berta Cáceres,” said Beltrán. “It’s imperative that the Honduran authorities continue impartial investigations until all those who took part in her assassination, including those who planned it are held accountable. The international community must continue its support for justice and the fight against impunity in Honduras.”