Honduran Conservative Lawmaker Injured by Explosive Attack

Honduras Lawmaker Injured in Attack at Legislative Briefing

A Honduran lawmaker, Gladis Aurora Lopez, has been injured after an unidentified assailant threw what appeared to be an explosive device into an outdoor hallway where members of the National Party were holding a news briefing. The incident occurred on Thursday, amidst a tense political environment in Honduras following its contested presidential election.

The National Party has condemned the attack, stating that it “condemns all acts of political violence that threaten the life, integrity, and democratic institutions of the country.” Lopez, a conservative deputy for the department of La Paz, was reportedly injured by the object, which struck her on the back. She fell to the floor but her injuries were not considered life-threatening.

The incident has been linked to the ongoing dispute over the presidential election results, with the National Party’s candidate, Nasry Asfura, declared the winner just shy of a month after the initial vote count. The LIBRE party, led by President Xiomara Castro, has yet to accept the result, citing alleged irregularities during the vote count and a narrow margin of victory.

Video footage shows Lopez approaching journalists when the object struck her, causing her to fall to the floor. An image posted on social media by Tommy Zambrano, leader of the National Party’s congressional voting bloc, appears to show blood splatter and bruising on Lopez’s ear, neck, and back.

The incident has sparked accusations from the National Party against the LIBRE party, with some members blaming them for the violence. The LIBRE party leadership has not been identified as responsible for the attack, but has denied any involvement.

Source: Al Jazeera