“We’ll skin you alive, bitch!” With these words the independent journalists and human rights campaigner Itsmania Pineda Platero was threatened on 6 January, then again in three similar calls - once more on the same day, and on 8 and 9 January.

During one of the calls, there was the sound of a gun being loaded in the background.

Reporters Without Borders holds the Honduran authorities responsible for the safety of the journalist, who walked at the head of the “Journalism for life and free expression” march on 13 December (see photo) that was violently dispersed in front of the presidential palace in Tegucigalpa.

A week later, a complaint was filed about the violence used by soldiers and members of the presidential guard. Reporters Without Borders is waiting to hear what legal action will be taken as a result.

“Itsmania Pineda Platero was already at risk because of her prominent position as head of the Xibalba human rights organization,” the press freedom organization said.

“She is exposed to even greater danger since the 13 December demonstration and none of the usual measures to protect her and her family have been carried out. This must be rectified without delay.

“Impunity has gone on too long. Seventeen journalists have been killed in Honduras since the coup in June 2009.

“Through Itsmania Pineda Platero, we consider all members of the ‘Journalism for life and free expression’ group to be under threat from now on. Once again, the authorities bear the responsibility.”

Source: Reporters Without Borders