Enforcement of the Law Regarding the Right to Assemble and Information Regarding the Security Situation at the Multiplaza Mall

October 22, 2009

To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section

The U.S. Embassy advises American citizens that yesterday, October 21, two explosive devices (hand grenades) were discovered at the Multiplaza Mall in Tegucigalpa. The grenades were found by Mall employees in both the male and female public restrooms adjacent to the Food Court. The Honduran Bomb Squad detonated one grenade in place and defused the other. No injuries were reported.

Pending a review of security procedures at the Multiplaza Mall, U.S. Embassy personnel have been advised that they are not permitted to visit the Multiplaza Mall until further notice. The Embassy recommends that all American citizens exercise caution when entering or shopping in public establishments.

The de facto regime announced October 22 that, effective immediately, the law regarding the right to assemble will be strictly enforced. The law requires that the Policia Preventiva or the local municipal authorities be notified in writing of any public gathering or demonstration at least 24 hours in advance. This written notice must include the reason for the public gathering or demonstration, start and end times, place and route that will be taken. The Embassy strongly recommends that American citizens abide by these requirements.

The Embassy recommends that American citizens monitor local television and radio for any changes to constitutional and travel restrictions and other security measures. The embassy strongly recommends that American citizens abide by these restrictions.

The U.S. Department of State Travel Alert was updated on October 20th and the Department of State continues to recommend that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras due to the unstable political situation.

Barring a change in the security situation or the imposition of a daytime curfew, the Embassy in Tegucigalpa and the Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula will remain open to the public. Non-immigrant visa services remain suspended for all but emergency medical cases.

The U.S. Embassy distributes its warden messages via email, and posts them on its website. Messages received via SMS to cell phones are not U.S. Embassy messages and do not reflect U.S. government travel advice.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238-5114, after hours telephone (504) 236-8497; Consular Section fax (504) 238-4357; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov; Webpage: http://honduras.usembassy.gov

To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section

The U.S. Embassy advises American citizens that yesterday, October 21, two explosive devices (hand grenades) were discovered at the Multiplaza Mall in Tegucigalpa. The grenades were found by Mall employees in both the male and female public restrooms adjacent to the Food Court. The Honduran Bomb Squad detonated one grenade in place and defused the other. No injuries were reported.

Pending a review of security procedures at the Multiplaza Mall, U.S. Embassy personnel have been advised that they are not permitted to visit the Multiplaza Mall until further notice. The Embassy recommends that all American citizens exercise caution when entering or shopping in public establishments.

The de facto regime announced October 22 that, effective immediately, the law regarding the right to assemble will be strictly enforced. The law requires that the Policia Preventiva or the local municipal authorities be notified in writing of any public gathering or demonstration at least 24 hours in advance. This written notice must include the reason for the public gathering or demonstration, start and end times, place and route that will be taken. The Embassy strongly recommends that American citizens abide by these requirements.

The Embassy recommends that American citizens monitor local television and radio for any changes to constitutional and travel restrictions and other security measures. The embassy strongly recommends that American citizens abide by these restrictions.

The U.S. Department of State Travel Alert was updated on October 20th and the Department of State continues to recommend that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras due to the unstable political situation.

Barring a change in the security situation or the imposition of a daytime curfew, the Embassy in Tegucigalpa and the Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula will remain open to the public. Non-immigrant visa services remain suspended for all but emergency medical cases.

The U.S. Embassy distributes its warden messages via email, and posts them on its website. Messages received via SMS to cell phones are not U.S. Embassy messages and do not reflect U.S. government travel advice.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238-5114, after hours telephone (504) 236-8497; Consular Section fax (504) 238-4357; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov; Webpage: http://honduras.usembassy.gov