2009 Honduran constitutional crisis

On 21 September 2009, Zelaya returned in secret to Honduras, after several attempts to return had been rebuffed. It was announced that he was in the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8267775.stm |title=Ousted leader returns to Honduras |work=BBC News |date=21 September 2009|access-date=30 August 2010}} The next day, the Micheletti government declared a state of emergency and suspended five constitutional rights for 45 days,{{cite web|author=Redacción BBC Mundo |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/america_latina/2009/09/090927_2313_honduras_oea_expulsa_rb.shtml |title=Honduras: estado de sitio durante 45 días |publisher=BBC |access-date=30 August 2010}} specifically:

• personal liberty (Article 69),
• freedom of expression (Article 72),
• freedom of movement (Article 81),
• habeas corpus (Article 84)
• freedom of association and assembly.{{cite news|first=Pablo |last=Ordaz |language=es |title=Micheletti ordena el cierre de los medios de comunicación afines a Zelaya |date=28 September 2009 |newspaper=El País |url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Micheletti/ordena/cierre/medios/comunicacion/afines/Zelaya/elpepuint/20090928elpepuint_2/Tes |access-date=19 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513105318/http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Micheletti/ordena/cierre/medios/comunicacion/afines/Zelaya/elpepuint/20090928elpepuint_2/Tes |archive-date=13 May 2011 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Giordano |first=Al |author-link=Al Giordano |title=Honduras Coup Leader Micheletti Decrees 45-Day Suspension of Constitution |publisher=Narco News |date=27 September 2009 |url=http://narcosphere.narconews.com/thefield/3465/honduras-coup-leader-micheletti-decrees-45-day-suspension-constitution |access-date=19 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001170207/http://narcosphere.narconews.com/thefield/3465/honduras-coup-leader-micheletti-decrees-45-day-suspension-constitution |archive-date=1 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}

The decree suspending human rights was officially revoked on 19 October 2009 in La Gaceta.{{cite news|first1=Mica |last1=Rosenberg |first2=Gustavo |last2=Palencia |title=Honduras de facto leader lifts ban on media, protests |date=19 October 2009 |work=Reuters |url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE59I43L20091019?sp=true |access-date=19 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721211747/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE59I43L20091019?sp=true |archive-date=21 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}

These events garnered widespread condemnation as a coup d’état.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/world/americas/29venez.html|title=Rare Hemisphere Unity in Assailing Honduran Coup |work=The New York Times|date=28 June 2009|access-date=29 June 2009| first=Simon | last=Romero}} The United Nations, the Organization of American States (OAS),{{cite web|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=44074 |title=OAS condemns Honduras coup, demands return of Zelaya |agency=Reuters |date=29 June 2009 |publisher=World Bulletin |access-date=29 June 2009 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090702162722/http://www.worldbulletin.net/news_detail.php?id=44074 |archive-date=2 July 2009 }} and the European Union condemned the removal of Zelaya as a military coup, and some of these condemnations may still remain unretracted. The OAS rejected an attempt by Honduras to withdraw from the organisation{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE56320Z20090704 |title=(Jim Wolf), July 4, 2009 |work=Reuters |date= 4 July 2009|access-date=19 October 2010}} and then suspended the membership of Honduras the following day.{{cite web|url=http://www.oas.org/OASpage/press_releases/press_release.asp?sCodigo=E-219/09 |title=The Special General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) decided today to suspend immediately the right to participate in the institution of Honduras following the coup d'Etat that expelled President José Manuel Zelaya from power

|publisher=OAS |

date=5 July 2009| work= press release |access-date=19 October 2010}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN0211965120090705|title=Ousted Honduran leader departs on flight for home|last=Markey|first=Patrick |date=5 July 2009|work=Reuters|access-date=7 July 2009}} Domestic opinion remained very much divided, with demonstrations both for and against Zelaya.{{Citation needed|date=December 2017}}

Efforts by Costa Rican President Óscar Arias and the United States{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091030/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=Honduras' ousted president, government sign pact |date=30 October 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=30 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101051553/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091030/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |archive-date=1 November 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url = https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B08-H8hU7cI_YjhhY2EzZWQtOGU4Zi00ZjQyLThjOGItNzlhNmQ2ODExMzYw&hl=en | title = GuaymurasFirmado | date = 30 October 2009| access-date=31 October 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/?p=57987&cpage=1 |title=Diálogo Guaymuras |date=31 October 2009 |publisher=LaTribuna.hn |access-date=31 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100902203139/http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/?p=57987 |archive-date=2 September 2010 }} to effect a diplomatic solution between Micheletti and Zelaya initially resulted in a proposal by President Arias calling for Zelaya's return to the presidency, albeit with curtailed powers.{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/world/americas/19honduras.html | title = Mediator proposes reinstating Honduran leader | date = 19 July 2009|work=The New York Times | access-date=27 January 2010| first=Elisabeth | last=Malkin}} Arias's proposal also stipulated political amnesty and moved the Honduran general elections up by a month, pushing them to take place in October.{{cite web | url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/22/content_12095634.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090925160118/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/22/content_12095634.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 25 September 2009 | title = Honduras' Zelaya says he returns for peace, dialogue | date = 22 September 2009| publisher = Xinhua | access-date=27 January 2010}} The US supported the San José Accord, but negotiations ultimately broke down. The two parties were unwilling to come to any lasting agreement.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091106/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=Zelaya: US-brokered pact for Honduran crisis fails |date=6 November 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=6 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091107201543/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091106/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |archive-date=7 November 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web| url= http://www.elheraldo.hn/Ediciones/2009/11/05/Noticias/Zelaya-atrasa-integracion-de-gobierno-de-unidad| title= Zelaya atrasa integración de gobierno de unidad (Zelaya delays integration of unity government)| date= 6 November 2009| publisher= ElHeraldo.hn| access-date= 6 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091110061056/http://www.elheraldo.hn/Ediciones/2009/11/05/Noticias/Zelaya-atrasa-integracion-de-gobierno-de-unidad| archive-date= 10 November 2009| url-status= dead}}{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8345899.stm | title = Deal over Honduran crisis 'dead' | date = 6 January 2009| publisher = BBC |access-date=6 January 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091111/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=US diplomat in Honduras trying to revive pact |date=11 November 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=11 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091112153827/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091111/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |archive-date=12 November 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Zelaya (elected in January 2006) insisted that the elections of 29 November should not be a precondition to his return to power.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091115/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=Ousted Honduran president won't recognize vote |date=15 November 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=27 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091118172236/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091115/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |archive-date=18 November 2009 }}

Honduran leaders refused to reinstate Zelaya, pending the elections,{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091117/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=Honduran Congress will rule on Zelaya after vote |date=17 November 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=27 November 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite news|title=Honduran court: Zelaya shouldn't be restored |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD9C7EF380 |agency=Associated Press |date=26 November 2009 |access-date=26 November 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} but international support for the elections remained scant leading up to the polls.{{cite news | first = Elisabeth|last=Malkin|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/world/americas/29honduras.html | title = Weary of Political Crisis, Honduras Holds Election| date = 29 November 2009| newspaper = The New York Times|access-date=30 November 2009}} Many Hondurans sought to move past the crisis with the elections, which had been scheduled previous to Zelaya's ouster.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091130/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_elections |title=Honduras hopes to move past coup with election (Version 1) |date=29 November 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=30 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203151236/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091130/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_elections |archive-date=3 December 2009 |url-status=dead }} Zelaya urged a boycott of the vote.

Initial returns indicated a larger than usual turnout, around 60%,{{cite news|title=Honduras voting for new president|work=BBC News|date=29 November 2009|access-date=29 November 2009|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8384874.stm| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091129051605/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8384874.stm| archive-date= 29 November 2009| url-status= live}} a figure subsequently revised downward to 49%.{{cite web|agency=AFP |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iGj_1PUztI4KpS1N4rBByhtjqRpg |title=AFP: Honduras revises down participation in disputed polls |date=4 December 2009 |access-date=30 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213062154/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iGj_1PUztI4KpS1N4rBByhtjqRpg |archive-date=13 December 2009 }} Zelaya also disputed those figures at the time.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/12/01/general-lt-honduras-coup_7174339.html |title=Ousted Honduran leader urges region to reject vote |date=1 December 2009 |publisher=AP via Forbes.com |access-date=4 December 2009 }}{{dead link|date=January 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Some Honduran activists ended their daily protests demanding the reinstatement of Zelaya because he was ousted in a coup, since Congress voted to keep Manuel Zelaya out of office.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091204/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=Zelaya supporters say it's time to move on |date=4 December 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=4 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091213123120/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091204/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |archive-date=13 December 2009 |url-status=dead }}

The crisis drew to a close with the inauguration of the newly elected president, Porfirio Lobo, on 27 January 2010. A deal allowed Zelaya to leave the Brazilian embassy and go into exile in the Dominican Republic.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100127/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=New Honduran leader to take office, ending turmoil |publisher=AP in Yahoo News |date=27 January 2010 |access-date=27 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100130013745/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100127/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |archive-date=30 January 2010 }}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60Q16320100127|title=Honduran Zelaya flies into exile, ending crisis|date=27 January 2010|first=Sean|last=Mattson|work=Reuters| access-date=12 June 2010}}

Two-thirds of Honduras citizens live below the poverty line, and unemployment is estimated at 28%. It has one of Latin America's most unequal distribution of wealth: the poorest 10% of the population receives just 1.2% of the country's wealth, while the richest 10% collect 42%.{{cite web

| url = http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jun2009/db20090629_337856.htm | title = Honduras' Coup: The Last Thing a Poor Nation Needs |date =29 June 2009|work=Business Week|first= Geri |last= Smith |access-date=21 December 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100119163103/http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jun2009/db20090629_337856.htm| archive-date= 19 January 2010| url-status= dead}} Approximately twenty per cent of the nation's GDP comes from remittances of workers from abroad. The BBC called the huge wealth gap in a poor country as one of the reasons why the relations between the president and the other institutions were so strained and that his leftward movement alarmed certain sectors.{{cite news

|url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8124154.stm | title = Q&A: Crisis in Honduras | publisher = BBC |access-date=20 December 2009| date=30 November 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091210071003/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8124154.stm| archive-date= 10 December 2009| url-status= live}}

Zelaya pushed for a referendum, insisting that Honduras' grinding poverty stemmed from a constitution written in 1982 at the height of that country's brutal repression of leftists – that rigs the game for the most powerful families and interests.{{cite magazine | url = http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1907600,00.html | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090702014043/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1907600,00.html | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2 July 2009 | title = The Honduran Coup: How Should the U.S. Respond? |date =29 June 2009| magazine = Time|first= Tim |last= Padgett |access-date=21 December 2009}}

Zelaya supporters, largely from labour unions and the poor, claim conservative business leaders are actually concerned because Zelaya had sharply increased the minimum wage. Víctor Meza, formerly Zelaya's interior minister, stated that: "The impression that stuck with the traditional political class and with the most conservative business leaders of the country was that Zelaya had taken a dangerous turn to the left, and therefore that their interests were in jeopardy." "We underestimated the conservatism of the Honduran political class and the military leadership."{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/06/world/AP-LT-Honduras-Coup-Elite-Backlash.html |title=Honduran Coup Shows Business Elite Still in Charge |date=6 August 2009 |newspaper=The New York Times |first1=Morgan |last1=Lee |first2=Alexandra |last2=Olson |name-list-style=amp |access-date=9 August 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} John Donaghy of Caritas has said that the real conflict in Honduras is between the poor and wealthy: "It's a system that has kept the poor down for years."{{cite news

| url = http://www.americancatholic.org/News/report.aspx?id=1659 | title = Lay Missionary: Honduran Conflict Between Poor, Wealthy| date = 6 October 2009| publisher = Catholic News Service |first= Sheila |last= Archambault |access-date=9 August 2009}} To some members of Honduras's small upper class, Zelaya was ousted because of his blossoming leftist alliance with President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela which they recognised as a threat to their interests. To the working-class, it appeared Zelaya was ousted because the elite felt threatened by his efforts to improve their lives – most notably with a 60% increase in the minimum wage to about US$9.60 a day from about $6 a day. Some who protested in support of Zelaya had never voted for him.{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/09/world/americas/09honduras.html?pagewanted=1 | title = President's Ouster Highlights a Divide in Honduras | first = Ginger | last = Thompson | date = 8 August 2009| newspaper = The New York Times |access-date=9 August 2009}}

File:Zelaya en Brasil Agosto 2009.jpg]]

Manuel Zelaya, a businessman born into a wealthy Honduran family,[http://www.abc.es/20090705/internacional-iberoamerica/manuel-zelaya-sainete-bananero-200907050248.html Manuel Zelaya, en un sainete bananero]. ABC.es was elected in 2005 as the candidate of the country's historically powerful Liberal Party.[https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106084998 The Nation: In Honduras The Heat Is On] by John Nichols, NPR, 30 June 2009 Zelaya's economic and social policies earned him praise from labour unions and civil society groups, but alienated him from parts of his own party.{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/world/americas/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13952942|title=Defying the outside world|newspaper=The Economist|date=2 July 2009| access-date=12 June 2010}} which were particularly upset by Zelaya's forging a regional alliance with the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), established by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and other leaders in Latin America as a counter to the trade and security policies sponsored by the United States. Zelaya also planned to convert the Soto Cano Air Base ("Palmerola"), where one of the three United States Southern Command Task Forces is located, into a civilian airport (it was already in use for many civilian flights because of safety concerns about Toncontín International Airport),{{cite news|title=HONDURAS: Soldier, Sailor, Airport Builder? |first=Thelma |last=Mejía |publisher=Australia.TO (from IPS) |url=http://www.australia.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10581:honduras-soldier-sailor-airport-builder&catid=71:world-news&Itemid=201 |date=2 June 2009 |access-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725035728/http://www.australia.to/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10581%3Ahonduras-soldier-sailor-airport-builder&catid=71%3Aworld-news&Itemid=201 |archive-date=25 July 2009 }} partly using financing from ALBA and Petrocaribe.{{cite web|url=http://www.laprensahn.com/País/Ediciones/2009/05/11/Noticias/Estado-construira-la-terminal-aerea |title=Estado construirá la terminal aérea |publisher=Diario La Prensa |date=10 May 2009 |access-date=29 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090514011422/http://www.laprensahn.com/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/05/11/Noticias/Estado-construira-la-terminal-aerea |archive-date=14 May 2009 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.laprensahn.com/País/Ediciones/2009/05/20/Noticias/Palmerola-tardaria-diez-anos |title=Palmerola tardaría diez años |publisher=Diario La Prensa |date=19 May 2009 |access-date=29 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523114824/http://www.laprensahn.com/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/05/20/Noticias/Palmerola-tardaria-diez-anos |archive-date=23 May 2009 }} The New York Times reported that much of Zelaya's support was derived from labour unions and the nation's poor, while the middle and upper class feared Zelaya was seeking to establish Hugo Chávez's type of socialist populism with a powerful leader in the country.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/29/world/americas/29honduras.html|title=Honduran President is Ousted in Coup|work=The New York Times|date=28 June 2009|access-date=29 June 2009| first=Elisabeth | last=Malkin}}

Zelaya's government was accused of harassing journalists{{cite web|url=http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=36682 |title=CORRUPTION-HONDURAS: A Murky Transparency Law |date=23 February 2007 |publisher=Interpress Service |access-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021060140/http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=36682 |archive-date=21 October 2008 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.ifex.org/honduras/2007/10/19/journalist_murdered_following_threats/ |title=Journalist murdered following threats, government harassment of critical radio station |publisher=International Freedom of Expression Exchange |date=19 October 2007|access-date=12 August 2009}} and also accused by the Organization of American States (OAS) of imposing "subtle censorship" in Honduras.[http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44101 "Honduras: Government advertising as subtle censorship"], Inter Press Service, 2 October 2008, {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210060332/http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=44101 |date=10 December 2008 }}

According to The Economist, "Mr. Zelaya's presidency has been marked by a rise in crime, corruption scandals and economic populism." By April 2009, a Mitofsky opinion poll showed that, of those consulted, only one in four respondents approved of Zelaya – the lowest approval rating of 18 regional leaders.{{cite web|url=http://coa.counciloftheamericas.org/article.php?id=1726 |title=Honduran President Ousted by Military |publisher=Coa.counciloftheamericas.org |date=28 June 2009 |access-date=30 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090702160952/http://coa.counciloftheamericas.org/article.php?id=1726 |archive-date=2 July 2009 }}

File:Hugo Chavez in Brazil-1861.jpeg]]

On 22 July 2008, Zelaya announced plans to incorporate the country into the Bolivarian Alliance for the People of Our America (ALBA), an organisation founded by Hugo Chávez, and that the country had been an "observer member" for "four or more months".{{cite web|url=http://www.cidob.org/es/documentacion/biografias_lideres_politicos/america_central_y_caribe/honduras/manuel_zelaya_rosales |title=Manuel Zelaya Rosales |publisher=Centro de Estudios Internacionales de Barcelona |date=22 July 2009 |access-date=30 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719183213/http://www.cidob.org/es/documentacion/biografias_lideres_politicos/america_central_y_caribe/honduras/manuel_zelaya_rosales |archive-date=19 July 2010 |url-status=live }}{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2009}} The Associated Press, citing Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue, said his "campaign for changing the constitution has energized his support base of labour groups, farmers and civil organisations who have long felt marginalized in a country where a wealthy elite controls the media and much of politics".{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

The Honduran right opposed the ALBA alliance, and feared that Zelaya would move to eliminate the presidential term limit as other ALBA leaders had, whom they considered would-be dictators. According to National Party analyst Raúl Pineda Alvarado, Zelaya's attempt to modify the constitution was a "carbon copy" of what had happened in Venezuela, Ecuador and Nicaragua.{{cite news |url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/06/19/Noticias/Cuarta-urna-una-idea-reciclada-de-Venezuela |title=Cuarta urna, una idea reciclada de Venezuela |newspaper=El Heraldo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027215344/http://www.elheraldo.hn/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/06/19/Noticias/Cuarta-urna-una-idea-reciclada-de-Venezuela |archive-date=27 October 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 December 2009 }} US Republican Newt Gingrich wrote in the Washington Examiner that Chávez had used ALBA to create "a tide of incipient dictatorship" flowing out of Venezuela into other countries in Latin America. He noted that Chávez had subverted democracy in Venezuela to ensure his rule would be uncontested for decades, and "one-by-one, each of the members of ALBA have followed Chavez's lead and changed their constitutions to remove limits on the number of terms their presidents can serve."{{cite magazine |url=http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/An-undemocratic-tide-in-the-Americas-8292299.html |title=An undemocratic tide in the Americas |magazine=Washington Examiner |archive-url=https://archive.today/20091215230117/http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/An-undemocratic-tide-in-the-Americas-8292299.html |archive-date=15 December 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=15 December 2009 }} However, the notion of extending term limits in Latin America is not unique to ALBA countries, as efforts in Colombia have been made towards allowing President Álvaro Uribe seek re-election.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60B5LX20100112|title=Colombia ruling backs Uribe reelection bid|work=Reuters|date=12 January 2010|access-date=13 January 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100122120252/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60B5LX20100112| archive-date= 22 January 2010| url-status= live}}

{{Main|Honduran fourth ballot box referendum}}

As early as August 2006, Central America Report stated that "liberal sectors" were proposing to reform "obsolete articles" in the constitution, including one against presidential re-election. The Report said that this was causing controversy.{{cite web | url=http://libraries.ucsd.edu/collections/about/collections-of-distinction/latin-american-elections-statistics/honduras/19982007.html | title=Latin American election statistics | at=2006: Central America report, 4 August 2006 | publisher=University of California, San Diego Library }} Debate regarding the convening of a constituent assembly took place in Honduras, with support from many groups. "The constitution has since 1980 been tweaked in other areas around thirty times, to the point where politicians of all camps are convinced that the document is no longer adequate. This is where the formal change proposed by Manuel Zelaya comes in: that in the November 2009 election-round, the voters will be presented with four ballot-boxes – the fourth one being used for a referendum on the question: "Do you agree with convening a constituent assembly to draw up a new constitution?"

On 11 November 2008, President Zelaya announced a non-binding referendum to see if the people wanted to have a fourth ballot box (or "Cuarta Urna") during the November 2009 election. The fourth ballot would ask voters whether they wanted to hold a National Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution. Zelaya, whose presidential term was to expire on 27 January 2010, would be ineligible, under the term-limitations of the present constitution, to run in the 2009 election.{{cite web | author=Murialdo, Hugo | url=http://www.argenpress.info/2009/08/america-latina-democracia-cristiana-y.html | title=América Latina, Democracia Cristiana y golpes de Estado | trans-title=Latin America, Democracia Cristiana and coups | language=es | publisher=Argenpress | location=Argentina | date=31 August 2009 | access-date=1 September 2009 | archive-date=3 September 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903044417/http://www.argenpress.info/2009/08/america-latina-democracia-cristiana-y.html | url-status=dead }}

On 22 December 2008 Zelaya issued two emergency executive agreements ("acuerdos"), both numbered 46-A-2008, which each authorised transfer of {{currency|30 million|HNL}} of public money to advertising of his fourth ballot box. Only one was published in the official Gazette. The supposed advertisers paid no sales tax. The Supreme Audit Court's investigation of the advertising money raised concerns of irregularities.{{cite news|author=Staff |title=Aparecen acuerdos para saquear el FHIS |trans-title=Agreements appear to plunder the FHIS |work=El Heraldo |location=Honduras |date=20 September 2009 |url=http://www.heraldohn.com/index.php/Ediciones/2009/09/21/Noticias/Aparecen-acuerdos-para-saquear-el-FHIS |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103010346/http://www.heraldohn.com/index.php/Ediciones/2009/09/21/Noticias/Aparecen-acuerdos-para-saquear-el-FHIS |archive-date=3 January 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news | author=Staff | date=8 October 2009 | title=Deducirán responsabilidad civil a ex director del FHIS | trans-title=They deduced liability to former director of FHIS | language=es | work=El Heraldo | url=http://www.heraldohn.com/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/10/09/Noticias/Deduciran-responsabilidad-civil-a-ex-director-del-FHIS | location=Honduras | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110528215836/http://www.elheraldo.hn/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/10/09/Noticias/Deduciran-responsabilidad-civil-a-ex-director-del-FHIS | archive-date=28 May 2011 }}{{cite news | author=Staff | title=Saqueo de arcas en Fhis paralizó 300 proyectos | trans-title=Sacking of FHIS paralyzed coffers in 300 projects | language=es | url=http://www.laprensahn.com/content/view/full/312433/ | work=La Prensa | location=Honduras | date=20 September 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811032559/http://www.laprensa.hn/content/view/full/312433/ | archive-date=11 August 2011 }}

On 17 February 2009, at a public showcasing of tractor equipment received from Venezuela, Manuel Zelaya stated that he would propose a fourth ballot box.{{cite news | author=Méndez, Marilyn | title=Honduras: La ruta ilegal de la Cuarta Urna | trans-title=Honduras: The legal route of the Fourth Ballot Box | work=La Prensa | location=Honduras | date=26 June 2009 | url=http://www.laprensahn.com/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/06/27/Noticias/Honduras-La-ruta-ilegal-de-la-Cuarta-Urna | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630014429/http://www.laprensahn.com/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/06/27/Noticias/Honduras-La-ruta-ilegal-de-la-Cuarta-Urna | archive-date=30 June 2009 | url-status=dead }} On 24 March 2009, Zelaya called for a preliminary poll to be held on 28 June 2009 to gauge popular support for including the Constituent Assembly question in the November 2009 election.{{cite news | title=Honduras: busca reforma constitucional | trans-title=Honduras: seeking constitutional reform | author=Staff | date=24 March 2009 | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/newsid_7961000/7961441.stm | work=BBC Mundo | location=United Kingdom | language=es }}

The President of the Congress, Micheletti, observed that Article 374 of the constitution states that no referendum can be used to alter the entrenched articles in the constitution that are specified in article 384.Note that article 374 does not say that; and there is no article 384: the constitution has only 378 numbered articles. Apparently either the BBC, La Tribuna (the BBC’S source), or Micheletti are in error. The quote from Micheletti, copied and pasted from the BBC article, is: "El artículo 374 dice que no se podrá utilizar el plebiscito y el referendo para reformar los artículos pétreos que establece el artículo 384 y que se refiere a la forma de gobierno, al territorio nacional, al período presidencial, a la prohibición para ser nuevamente Presidente de la República al ciudadano que lo haya desempeñado bajo cualquier tipo y referente." (BBC’S source was La Tribuna.) He went on to insist that even to announce such a referendum privately is a crime (" . . . porque eso, incluso, anunciarlo privadamente es un delito."){{cite web|url=http://www.laprensahn.com/index.php/content/view/full/162683 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127231709/http://www.laprensahn.com/index.php/content/view/full/162683 |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 January 2013 |title="El presidente Zelaya está equivocado": Micheletti |trans-title="President Zelaya is wrong": Micheletti |date=23 March 2009 |access-date=20 December 2009 |work=La Prensa |location=Honduras }}

Article 373 of the Constitution of Honduras states that the constitution can be modified by a two-thirds majority of the National Congress. However, Article 374 specifies that several articles are permanently entrenched; that is, they cannot be modified under any circumstances (Spanish: "en ningún caso").{{cite news | author=Staff | title=Artículos pétreos no pueden reformarse ni con plebiscito ni referendo | url=http://www.laprensahn.com/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/05/26/Noticias/Articulos-petreos-no-pueden-reformarse-ni-con-plebiscito-ni-referendo | date=26 May 2009 | work=La Prensa | location=Honduras | language=es | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530191336/http://www.laprensahn.com/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/05/26/Noticias/Articulos-petreos-no-pueden-reformarse-ni-con-plebiscito-ni-referendo | archive-date=30 May 2009 | url-status=dead }} The entrenched clauses include those on the system of government that is permitted, and the presidential succession.Honduras Constitution: Titulo VII: De la Reforma y la Inviolabilabidad de la Constitución, Capitulo I De la Reforma de la Constitución: Articulo 373. – La reforma de esta Constitución podrá decretarse por el Congreso Nacional, en sesiones ordinarias, con dos tercios de votos de la totalidad de sus miembros. El decreto señalará al efecto el artículo o artículos que hayan de reformarse, debiendo ratificarse por la subsiguiente legislatura ordinaria, por igual número de votos, para que entre en vigencia. ARTICULO 374. – No podrán reformarse, en ningún caso, el artículo anterior, el presente artículo, los artículos constitucionales que se refieren a la forma de gobierno, al territorio nacional, al período presidencial, a la prohibición para ser nuevamente Presidente de la República, el ciudadano que lo haya desempeñado bajo cualquier título y el referente a quienes no pueden ser Presidentes de la República por el período subsiguiente. (Title VII: Amendment and Inviolability of the Constitution, Heading I Amendment of the Constitution: Article 373. – The amendment of this Constitution may be ordered by Congress, in regular session, by two-thirds vote of all members. In order to enter into force, the decree for that purpose, containing the article or articles to be reformed, should subsequently be ratified by the legislature by an ordinary equal number of votes. Article 374. – They will not be able to amend, in any case, the previous article [Art. 373], the present article, the constitutional articles that establish the form of government, the national territory, the presidential term of office, the prohibition on again being President of the Republic, for any citizen, regardless of the title, and those who cannot be presidents of the Republic in any subsequent period. [http://www.honduras.net/honduras_constitution2.html "Constitución De La República De Honduras, 1982" part 2] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614205643/http://www.honduras.net/honduras_constitution2.html |date=14 June 2011 }} Honduras.net; See also the Honduras Decreto (Decree) 169/1986. Article 239 specifically prohibits the president from attempting to amend restrictions on succession, and states that whoever does so will cease "immediately" in his or her functions."Articulo 239: El ciudadano que haya desempeñado la titularidad del Poder Ejecutivo no podrá ser Presidente o Designado. El que quebrante esta disposición o proponga su reforma, así como aquellos que lo apoyen directa o indirectamente, cesarán de inmediato en el desempeño de sus respectivos cargos, y quedarán inhabilitados por diez años para el ejercicio de toda función pública." ("Article 239: No citizen who has already served as head of the Executive Branch can be President or a designated person. Whoever violates this law or proposes its reform, as well as those that support such violation directly or indirectly, will immediately cease in their functions and will be unable to hold any public office for a period of 10 years.") – {{cite web | url = http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Honduras/hond82.html | title = República de Honduras / Republic of Honduras, Constitución de 1982 (Political Constitution of 1982) | work = Political Database of the Americas | publisher = Georgetown University| access-date=12 June 2010}} Zelaya's statement – "[t]he only one who can't be re-elected is the President, but re-election is a topic of the next National Constitutional Assembly" – is a declaration that some have argued violates Article 239.{{cite news|url=http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=4259 |publisher=The Real News Network |title=Zelaya's return to Honduras met with force-Video[10:04–10:22] |date=22 September 2009 |access-date=17 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009183428/http://therealnews.com/t/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=4259 |archive-date=9 October 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/Ediciones/2009/06/25/Noticias/Presidente-sigue-obstinado-en-encuesta|publisher=ElHeraldo.hn|title=Presidente sigue obstinado en encuesta (President remains obstinate on poll)|date=24 June 2009|access-date=14 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629071012/http://www.elheraldo.hn/Ediciones/2009/06/25/Noticias/Presidente-sigue-obstinado-en-encuesta|archive-date=29 June 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.laprensahn.com/vivir/index.php/Ediciones/2009/06/26/Noticias/Investigan-actos-del-presidente-Zelaya |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630050016/http://www.laprensahn.com/vivir/index.php/Ediciones/2009/06/26/Noticias/Investigan-actos-del-presidente-Zelaya |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 June 2012 |publisher=LaPrensa.hn |title=Investigan actos del presidente Zelaya (President Zelaya's acts are investigated) |date=26 June 2009 |access-date=14 October 2009 }} Article 239, however, is not mentioned at all in the judicial case file.[http://www.poderjudicial.gob.hn/NR/rdonlyres/87E2BFFC-AF4D-44EA-BFC5-D93730D8D81C/2413/ExpedienteJudicial1.pdf Expediente judicial], judiciary of Honduras. Retrieved 8 September 2009. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090920002232/http://www.poderjudicial.gob.hn/NR/rdonlyres/87E2BFFC-AF4D-44EA-BFC5-D93730D8D81C/2413/ExpedienteJudicial1.pdf |date=20 September 2009 }} 10 September 2009.

On 25 March, the Attorney General's office formally notified President Zelaya that he would face criminal charges of abusing power if he proceeded with the referendum.

In late May, the court of contentious administration ruled the poll illegal. Honduras' Supreme Electoral Tribunal also ruled that such a poll would be illegal. The lower court's injunction, against the poll, was upheld by the Supreme Court.{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124597369604957305 | title=Honduras Lurches Toward Crisis Over Election | last=De Cordoba | first=José | date=26 June 2009 | work=The Wall Street Journal | location=United States }} In late June, the intended consultative poll was also rejected by Congress.{{cite news | author=Staff | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8120161.stm | work=BBC Online | location=United Kingdom | title=Honduran leader defies top court | date=26 June 2009 }}

On 3 June, Congress passed a resolution warning Zelaya to correct his administrative conduct.{{cite news | author=Staff | url=http://www.latribuna.hn/2009/06/04/diputados-imprueban-la-conducta-del-ejecutivo-y-le-recomiendan-que-rectifique/ | title=Diputados imprueban la conducta del Ejecutivo y le recomiendan que rectifique | language=es | date=4 June 2009 | work=La Tribuna | location=Honduras | access-date=22 November 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122021733/http://www.latribuna.hn/2009/06/04/diputados-imprueban-la-conducta-del-ejecutivo-y-le-recomiendan-que-rectifique/ | archive-date=22 November 2014 | url-status=dead}}

On 11 June, the Bar Association of Honduras unanimously agreed that Zelaya was violating the law.{{cite news | author=Staff | url=http://www.latribuna.hn/2009/06/10/juridicamente-imposible-convocatoria-a-constituyente/ | title=Jurídicamente imposible convocatoria a Constituyente | language=es | trans-title=Legally impossible to call Constituent | date=10 June 2009 | work=La Tribuna | location=Honduras | access-date=22 November 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122022238/http://www.latribuna.hn/2009/06/10/juridicamente-imposible-convocatoria-a-constituyente/ | archive-date=22 November 2014 | url-status=dead}} It asked Zelaya to stop the illegalities and recommended officials not follow his illegal orders.

On 23 June 2009, Congress passed a law forbidding holding official polls or referendums less than 180 days before the next general election, which would have made 28 June poll illegal.

Since this bill was passed after the poll was scheduled, Zelaya rejected its applicability to this case.{{cite news | author=Palencia, Gustavo | editor=García, Hernán | url=http://lta.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idLTASIE55N06G20090624 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090625111821/http://lta.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idLTASIE55N06G20090624 | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 June 2009 | title=Congreso de Honduras aprueba ley de referendo contra Zelaya | trans-title=Honduras Congress approves referendum law against Zelaya | work=Reuters | language=es | date=28 June 2009 }}

The military is in charge of security and logistics in elections in Honduras. Zelaya asked them to perform their election role for the poll, but the head of the military command, General Romeo Vásquez Velásquez, refused the order to pass out the poll materials because the Supreme Court had ruled the poll to be illegal. On 24 June, Zelaya fired him. Later that day, the defence minister and heads of the army, navy and air force resigned.{{cite news | date=25 July 2009 | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124847775316780293 | title=Behind the Honduran Mutiny | work=The Wall Street Journal | location=United States | first=Jose | last=De Cordoba }} On 25 June, the Supreme Court ruled 5–0 that General Velásquez be reinstated. Tribunal member David Matamoros affirmed the Electoral Tribunal's support for the military's actions.{{cite news | author=Staff | url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/06/27/honduras.zelaya/index.html | work=CNN.com | location=United States | title=Honduras president: Nation calm before controversial vote | date=27 June 2009 }}

On 24 June, surveillance cameras captured how about {{currency|2 million}} in cash was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Honduras and allegedly driven to the office of Enrique Flores Lanza, Zelaya's chief of staff. The suspicious money was possibly used to finance the referendum.{{cite news | author=Staff | date=22 July 2009 | url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/22/zelaya-accused-of-cash-withdrawal/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: Ousted Honduran leader accused of theft | work=The Washington Times | location=United States }}{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124847775316780293 | title=Behind the Honduran Mutiny |work=The Wall Street Journal | location=United States | date=25 July 2009 | first=Jose | last=De Cordoba }}{{cite news | author=Staff | date=7 August 2009 | url=http://www.laprensahn.com/Apertura/Ediciones/2009/07/09/Noticias/Mas-evidencia-de-millonaria-malversacion-por-cuarta-urna |title=Más evidencia de millonaria malversación por cuarta urna | language=es | trans-title=More evidence of embezzlement of millions fourth ballot | work=La Prensa | location=Honduras | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801011249/http://www.laprensahn.com/Apertura/Ediciones/2009/07/09/Noticias/Mas-evidencia-de-millonaria-malversacion-por-cuarta-urna | archive-date=1 August 2009 | url-status=dead }}{{cite news | author=Staff | date=7 July 2009 | url=http://www.laprensahn.com/Sucesos/Ediciones/2009/07/08/Noticias/En-maletas-sacaron-L40-millones-del-Banco-Central | title=En maletas sacaron L40 millones del Banco Centra | trans-title=In L40 million bags were removed from the Central Bank | work=La Prensa | location=Honduras | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711121834/http://www.laprensahn.com/Sucesos/Ediciones/2009/07/08/Noticias/En-maletas-sacaron-L40-millones-del-Banco-Central | archive-date=11 July 2009 | url-status=dead }}

Just days before the referendum, Zelaya published executive decree PCM-019-2009, which revoked the earlier decree PCM-05-2009. Zelaya issued a new executive decree PCM-020-2009, another attempt to legalise the referendum.{{cite news | author=Staff | url=http://www.latribuna.hn/2009/06/28/cambio-de-reglas-a-ultima-hora/ | title=Cambio de reglas a última hora | language=es | trans-title=Changing the rules at the last minute | work=La Tribuna | location=Honduras | date=28 June 2009 | access-date=22 November 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122031310/http://www.latribuna.hn/2009/06/28/cambio-de-reglas-a-ultima-hora/ | archive-date=22 November 2014 | url-status=dead}}{{cite news | author=Staff | url=http://www.laprensa.hn/csp/mediapool/sites/LaPrensa/Honduras/story.csp?cid=532815&sid=265&fid=97 | title=Fiscalía notifica an Interpol captura contra Mel | trans-title=Prosecutor notifies Interpol arrest Mel | date=29 June 2009 | work=La Prensa | location=Honduras | access-date=22 November 2014 | archive-date=31 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831173720/http://www.laprensa.hn/csp/mediapool/sites/LaPrensa/Honduras/story.csp?cid=532815&sid=265&fid=97 | url-status=dead }} According to a legal analysis by former Supreme Court President Vilma Morales, Zelaya stopped being President of Honduras.{{cite news | author=Staff | date=7 July 2009 | url=http://www.laprensa.hn/Sucesos/Ediciones/2009/07/07/Noticias/Ya-no-era-presidente-cuando-fue-detenido | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090824110829/http://www.laprensa.hn/Sucesos/Ediciones/2009/07/07/Noticias/Ya-no-era-presidente-cuando-fue-detenido | trans-title=He was not president when he was arrested | archive-date=24 August 2009 | title=Ya no era presidente cuando fue detenido | work=La Prensa | location=Honduras }}

Ballots arrived from Venezuela on a plane and the ballot boxes were kept at the Tegucigalpa airport. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal ordered the illegal ballots to be confiscated. Investigators from the Ministerio Público and the Honduran attorney general's office arrived at the airport.{{cite web | url=http://www.speroforum.com/a/19733/The-People-of-Honduras-v-President-Zelaya | title=The People of Honduras v. President Zelaya | author=Thompson, Brian | publisher=Spero News | location=United States | date=26 June 2009 | access-date=8 December 2009 | archive-date=14 October 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014130149/http://www.speroforum.com/a/19733/The-People-of-Honduras-v-President-Zelaya | url-status=dead }}{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2009}}{{cite news | author=Goodman, Joshua | author2=Schmidt, Blake | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=axGENUiy9yKs | title=Honduras Supreme Court Judge Defends President Ouster (Update1) | agency=Bloomberg | location=United States | date=1 July 2009 }}{{cite news | author=Staff | url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/content/view/full/155942 |title=Turba encabezada por "Mel" se toma base aérea | trans-title=Mob led by "Mel" takes airbase | work=El Heraldo | location=Honduras | date=25 June 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606040231/http://www.elheraldo.hn/content/view/full/155942 | archive-date=6 June 2011 }}

Zelaya led several hundred people to an air force base and took possession of the disputed poll ballots, which were then kept in the presidential palace to avoid their destruction.

In late June, there were large marches both for and against the proposed fourth ballot box.{{cite news | author=Staff | title=Honduras dismisses military chief amid political chaos | date=26 June 2009 | work=janes.com | publisher=IHS Inc. | location=United Kingdom | quote=A march of several tens of thousands of people against Zelaya's re-election plans took place in the second city of San Pedro Sula.... | url=http://www.janes.com/news/security/iwr/iwr090626_1_n.shtml | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629040244/http://www.janes.com/news/security/iwr/iwr090626_1_n.shtml | archive-date=29 June 2009 |url-access=subscription }}{{cite news | url=http://www.laht.com/article.asp?CategoryId=23558&ArticleId=337878 | author=Staff | title=Thousands March Against Zelaya's Plan to Change Honduras Constitution | work=Latin American Herald Tribune | location=Venezuela | quote=Thousands of Hondurans marched Tuesday in San Pedro Sula.... | access-date=8 July 2009 | archive-date=31 August 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831083458/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?CategoryId=23558&ArticleId=337878 | url-status=dead }}{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB124607117649864407 | title=Honduras Crisis Opens Regional Rift | work=The Wall Street Journal | location=United States | date=27 June 2009 | first=David | last=Luhnow}}

The Supreme Court, Congress, and the military and the National Human Rights Commissioner recommended that voters stay home because the poll would be neither fair nor safe for voters.{{cite news | author=Weissert, Will | url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D993FRN80.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924041613/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1A1-D993FRN80.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 September 2015 | title=Honduran leader pushes ahead with divisive vote | agency=Associated Press | location=United States | date=27 June 2009 | via=HighBeam Research |url-access=subscription }}

{{Main|2009 Honduran coup d'état}}

On 27 May 2009, the Administrative Law Tribunal issued an injunction against holding the poll at the request of Honduran Attorney General Luis Alberto Rubi. On 16 June the Court of Appeals unanimously upheld the 27 May injunction. On 18 June, the Administrative Law Tribunal ordered Zelaya to comply with the ruling in writing within five days. On 26 June the Supreme Court unanimously found that the president had not complied with 18 June order. It also found he was answerable to charges, brought by the Attorney General, for the crimes against the form of government, treason to the motherland, abuse of office and usurpation of functions that damaged the administration. To initiate the case, the Supreme Court appointed member Tomás Arita Valle,{{cite web | url=http://www.libertaddigital.com/documentos/orden-de-captura-de-la-fiscalia-17057381.html | title=Orden de captura de la Fiscalía (Documento original) | trans-title=Warrant from the Attorney (Original document) | language=es | work=Libertad Digital | location=Spain | date=25 June 2009 }}{{cite web|title=Se presenta requermiento fiscal. Que se libre orden de captura.- ... |work=Libertad Digital |location=Spain |date=2 July 2009 |url=http://documents.scribd.com/docs/2lhe8oc6gidv9pb2zm3n.pdf |format=PDF-1.3 |access-date=23 August 2009 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5jFfMmW05?url=http://documents.scribd.com/docs/2lhe8oc6gidv9pb2zm3n.pdf |archive-date=23 August 2009 |url-status=live }}{{closed access}}; creation/modification timestamp contained in PDF-1.3 file is "20090702113502-05'00'"; date in displayed version of the file: 25 June 2009 who, on 26 June, issued a sealed (secret) order to detain Zelaya for the purposes of taking a statement.{{cite news | first=Marc | last=Lacey | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/world/americas/02coup.html | title=Leader's Ouster Not a Coup, Says the Honduran Military | work=The New York Times | date=2 July 2009 }}{{cite web | title=Orden de captura contra Zelaya | trans-title=Arrest warrant against Zelaya | url=http://www.libertaddigital.com/documentos/orden-de-captura-contra-zelaya-17027313.html | work=Libertad Digital | location=Spain | author=Corte Suprema de Justicia de Honduras | author-link=Corte Suprema de Justicia de Honduras | date=26 June 2009 | access-date=12 June 2010 }}{{cite web|title=letter to: Senor jefe del estado mayor conjunto de las fuerzas armadas... |work=Libertad Digital |location=Spain |date=2 July 2009 |url=http://documents.scribd.com/docs/1h6jmbgc6dxxhvhu8i2l.pdf-1.4 |access-date=23 August 2009 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5jFfOX1yA?url=http://documents.scribd.com/docs/1h6jmbgc6dxxhvhu8i2l.pdf |archive-date=23 August 2009 |url-status=live}}{{closed access}}; creation timestamp contained in PDF-1.4 file is "20090207105728+02'00'" and is listed here bibliographically as ISO 8601 date 2 July 2009; date in displayed version of the file: 26 June 2009{{cite news | author=Goodman, Joshua | author2=Schmidt, Blake | url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=axGENUiy9yKs | title=Honduras Supreme Court Judge Defends President Ouster (Update1) | agency=Bloomberg | location=United States | date=1 July 2009 }} Some pro-Zelaya supporters have sought to cast doubt on the Supreme Court's documentation.{{cite web | title=Report of Global Exchange Delegation to Honduras | translator=Judy Ancel | quote=Jari Dixon and others from the Lawyers Front Against the Coup | url=http://hondurasemb.org/2009/08/21/report-of-global-exchange-delegation-to-honduras/ | publisher=Embajada de Honduras en Washington D.C. | date = 21 August 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 August 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090825021939/http://hondurasemb.org/2009/08/21/report-of-global-exchange-delegation-to-honduras/ }}

Soldiers stormed the president's residence in Tegucigalpa early in the morning of 28 June, disarming the presidential guard, waking Zelaya and putting him on a plane to Costa Rica. In San José, Costa Rica, Zelaya told TeleSUR that he had been awakened by gunshots. Masked soldiers took his cell phone, shoved him into a van and took him to an air force base, where he was put on a plane. He said he did not know that he was being taken to Costa Rica until he landed at the airport in San José. To the media, he described the events as "a coup" and "a kidnapping".{{cite news | work=New York Post | url=https://nypost.com/2009/06/28/honduran-president-calls-arrest-a-kidnapping/ | title=Honduran president calls arrest a 'kidnapping' | agency=Associated Press | date=28 June 2009 }}

Tanks patrolled the streets and military planes flew overhead. Soldiers guarded the main government buildings. The government television station and a television station that supported the president were taken off the air. Television and radio stations broadcast no news. The electrical power, phone lines, and international cable TV were cut or blocked throughout Honduras. Public transportation was suspended.{{cite news | url=http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2009/06/28/actualidad/1246140011_850215.html | author=Ordaz, Pablo | title=El nuevo Goierno de Honduras decreta el toque de queda | language=es | trans-title=The new Government of Honduras decrees curfew | work=El País | location=Spain | date=29 June 2009 }}

Later that day, the Supreme Court issued a statement that it had ordered the army to arrest Zelaya.{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/honduras/5677026/Honduras-supreme-court-ordered-army-coup.html | title=Honduras supreme court 'ordered army coup' | work= The Daily Telegraph | location=United Kingdom | date=28 June 2009 | first=Jeremy | last=McDermott }} On 30 June, the military's chief lawyer, Colonel Herberth Inestroza, showed Judge Arita's arrest order. Colonel Inestroza later stated that deporting Zelaya did not comply with the court order, but that military leadership had decided to do so to avoid violence in Honduras, asking "What was more beneficial, remove this gentleman from Honduras or present him to prosecutors and have a mob assault and burn and destroy and for us to have to shoot?".English summary of interview with the legal counsel of the Honduras armed forces, Colonel Herberth Bayardo Inestroza, {{cite news|first=Frances |last=Robles |title=Top Honduran military lawyer: We broke the law |date=3 July 2009 |work=The Miami Herald |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/1506/story/1125872.html |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5jb00TM3J?url=http://www.miamiherald.com/1506/story/1125872.html |archive-date=6 September 2009 |url-status=live }}; original {{cite web|last=Dada |first=Carlos |author2=José Luis Sanz |title=Cometimos un delito al sacar a Zelaya, pero había que hacerlo |language=es |trans-title=We committed an offense to remove Zelaya, but had to do it |publisher=El Faro.net, El Salvador |date=2 July 2009 |url=http://www.elfaro.net/secciones/Noticias/20090629/noticias16_20090629.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5jayZVstj?url=http://www.elfaro.net/secciones/Noticias/20090629/noticias16_20090629.asp |archive-date=6 September 2009 }} Inestroza also stated that Zelaya's allegiance to Chávez was hard to stomach and "It would be difficult for us, with our training, to have a relationship with a leftist government. That's impossible. I personally would have retired, because my thinking, my principles, would not have allowed me to participate in that."

Ramón Custodio, the head of the country's human rights commission, said that Zelaya's exile was a mistake and that the military made an "error" sending Zelaya into exile rather than holding him for trial. Honduras's Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case brought by a group of lawyers and judges arguing that the military broke the law taking Zelaya out of the country.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=ahdMZG1IyU2s|title=Zelaya's Exile an 'Error', Honduras Human Rights Chief Says |publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|last1=Schmidt|first1=Blake|first2=Eric|last2=Sabo|date=13 August 2009|access-date=13 August 2009}} In August 2009, Micheletti himself said that a mistake was made when Zelaya was exiled.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=azjI4deGp_Co |title=Honduras's Micheletti Says Zelaya Exile Was 'Error' (Update1) |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |last1=Martinez |first1=Andres |first2=Blake |last2=Schmidt |date=17 August 2009|access-date=17 August 2009}}

A document purporting to be a resignation letter written by President Zelaya, dated 25 June, was read to congress.{{cite web | url= http://www.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/61455/esta-es-la-supuesta-renuncia-de-zelaya/ | title= Esta es la supuesta renuncia de Zelaya | date= 28 June 2009 | access-date= 28 June 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171123012303/http://www.noticias24.com/actualidad/noticia/61455/esta-es-la-supuesta-renuncia-de-zelaya/ | archive-date= 23 November 2017 | url-status= dead}}

Zelaya has said he did not write the letter. Later that day, in an extraordinary session Congress voted to remove Zelaya for manifest irregular conduct and putting in present danger the state of law.

The President of the National Congress was the next on the presidential line of succession because Vice-President Elvin Santos had earlier quit to run in the 2009 elections. The President of the National Congress was Roberto Micheletti, a member of Zelaya's party.

By a show of hands, the National Congress – the majority of whom belonged to Zelaya's own Liberal party{{cite web|title=listadodiputados |url=http://www.congreso.gob.hn/Diputados.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714154506/http://www.congreso.gob.hn/Diputados.htm |archive-date=14 July 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=23 July 2009 }} – named Micheletti to complete the remaining months of the presidential term.{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/657949|title=Honduran military ousts president ahead of vote|first1=Will |last1=Weissert |first2=Freddy |last2=Cuevas|date=28 June 2009|agency=Associated Press|access-date=28 June 2009| location=Toronto | work=The Star}}{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2009}}

File:Honduras golpe protesta.jpg

At around 12:37 the Honduran National Congress unanimously agreed to:{{cite news|url=http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/?p=14265 |title=Congreso destituye a Manuel Zelaya |date=29 June 2009 |publisher=La Tribuna |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240524194144/https://www.webcitation.org/5lyhwHKCQ?url=http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/%3Fp=14265 |archive-date=24 May 2024 |url-status=dead }}

• Under the Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 205, 220, subsections 20, 218, 242, 321, 322, 323 of the Constitution of the Republic,
• Disapprove Zelaya's repeated violations of the constitution, laws and court orders.
• Remove Zelaya from office.
• Name the current President of Congress to complete the presidential term that ends on 27 January 2010.

Honduran institutions, including the National Congress, the Supreme Court, and the interim government, maintain Zelaya was replaced constitutionally. Arguments that Zelaya's ouster was illegal because the proper legal procedures were not used has been advanced by several lawyers.{{cite web |url=http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/?p=44411 |title=Inconstitucionalidad de la llamada "sucesión constitucional" |first=Efrain |last=Moncada Silva |date=25 September 2009 |access-date=25 September 2009 |publisher=La Tribuna (Honduras) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101030223053/http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/?p=44411 |archive-date=30 October 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/?p=42800 |title=¿Sucesión presidencial? |first=Edmundo |last=Orellana |publisher=La Tribuna (Honduras) |date=21 September 2009 |access-date=21 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115002451/http://www.latribuna.hn/web2.0/?p=42800 |archive-date=15 November 2010 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.asil.org/insights090729.cfm |title=Honduras: Coup d'Etat in Constitutional Clothing? |first=Doug |last=Cassel |date=29 July 2009 |access-date=9 October 2009 |publisher=American Society of International Law |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902064902/http://www.asil.org/insights090729.cfm |archive-date=2 September 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.americasquarterly.org/node/2680|title=Caudillos Can Be Already Removed from Office in Honduras—Just Not the Way It Was Done with President Zelaya|publisher=Americas Quarterly|first=Javier|last=El-Hage|author-link=Javier El-Hage|date=18 July 2011|access-date=9 July 2012}} Acting Honduran President Roberto Micheletti said forcing deposed President Manuel Zelaya to leave the country, instead of arresting him, was a mistake.{{cite web | title = Honduras: Constitutional Law Issues | url = http://blog.erlingsson.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Schock_CRS_Report_Honduras.pdf | publisher = the Law Library of Congress, USA | date = August 2009 |page=5| access-date=12 June 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.clarin.com/diario/2009/09/30/um/m-02009386.htm |title=Sacamos a Zelaya porque se fue a la izquierda, puso a comunistas |first=Néstor |last=Restivo |date=30 September 2009 |access-date=30 September 2009 |publisher=El Clarin (Argentina) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003102215/http://www.clarin.com/diario/2009/09/30/um/m-02009386.htm |archive-date=3 October 2009 }}. 4 October 2009.

File:Pro-Micheletti demonstrators.jpg

Acting President Roberto Micheletti ordered a curfew which initially lasted for the 48 hours from Sunday night (28 June) and to Tuesday (30 June). The curfew law was not published in the official journal La Gaceta and was not approved by Congress.

Originally the curfew ran from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090629-212943/New-Honduras-leader-orders-48-hour-curfew|title=New Honduras leader orders 48-hour curfew|publisher=Inquirer|date=29 June 2009|access-date=29 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090702041248/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20090629-212943/New-Honduras-leader-orders-48-hour-curfew|archive-date=2 July 2009|url-status=dead}} That curfew was extended, changed, or renewed several times,{{cite web|url=http://tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica-en-honduras/22450-toque-de-queda-hasta-el-martes |title=Toque de queda hasta el martes |date=3 July 2009 |access-date=4 July 2009 |language=es |trans-title=Curfew until Tuesday}}{{dead link|date=August 2014}} in ways Amnesty International and the International Observation Mission called "arbitrary". On 1 July, Congress issued an order (decreto ejecutivo N° 011-2009) which extended restrictions between 22:00 and 05:00 local time and also suspended four constitutional guarantees, including freedom of transit, due process, and freedom from unwarranted search and seizure.{{cite web|url=http://www.tiempo.hn/index.php/secciones/crisis-politica-en-honduras/22279-congreso-restringe-cuatro-garantias-constitucionales |title=Congresso restringe cuatro guarantías constitucionales |date=2 July 2009 |access-date=2 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704003520/http://www.tiempo.hn/index.php/secciones/crisis-politica-en-honduras/22279-congreso-restringe-cuatro-garantias-constitucionales |archive-date=4 July 2009 }}

The ambassadors of Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua stated that on 29 June that they were detained and beaten by Honduran troops before being released. Also, several allies of Zelaya were taken into custody by the military. Among them were: Foreign Minister Patricia Rodas; the mayor of the city San Pedro Sula, Rodolfo Padilla Sunseri; several congressmen of the Democratic Unification Party (PUD); and several other government officials.{{cite news|work=The Christian Science Monitor|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0629/p06s01-woam.html|title=Leftist leaders hold emergency meeting over Honduras coup|date=29 June 2009|access-date=29 June 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Ejercito/expulsa/presidente/hondureno/Manuel/Zelaya/elppgl/20090628elpepuint_11/Tes|title=El Ejército expulsa al presidente hondureño, Manuel Zelaya|language=es|work=El País|last=Ordaz|first=Pablo|date=28 June 2009|access-date=28 June 2009}} A dozen former ministers from the Zelaya government, as well as PUD presidential candidate Cesar Ham, went into hiding.{{cite news|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/06/30/ST2009063004334.html|title=Honduras Targets Protesters With Emergency Decree: Media in Country Also Feel Pressure|date=1 July 2009|access-date=4 July 2009| first1=William | last1=Booth}} A Venezuelan state-owned media outlet claimed that Tomás Andino Mencías, a member of the party, said that PUD lawmakers were led away by the military when they tried to enter the parliament building for 28 June vote on Zelaya's deposal.{{cite news|work=Agencia Bolivariana de Noticias |url=http://www.abn.info.ve/noticia.php?articulo=188320&lee=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091011045105/http://www.abn.info.ve/noticia.php?articulo=188320&lee=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2009 |title=Hondureños de 37 ciudades se movilizarán para restituir a Zelaya en la presidencia |agency=Agencia Bolivariana de Noticias |date=28 June 2009 |access-date=29 June 2009 }}

Several TV stations, radio stations, and newspaper's websites were temporarily shut down.{{cite news | url = http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/06/29/honduras.president.arrested/index.html?iref=werecommend | access-date =1 July 2009| work=CNN | title=Police clash with demonstrators in Honduran capital | date=29 June 2009}} The Miami Herald reported that the "crackdown on the media" began before dawn on the 28th. It said that only pro-Micheletti stations were allowed to broadcast and that they carried only news friendly to the new government.Miami Herald, 1 July 2009, [http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/1122536.html Honduras new government is censoring journalists]. Retrieved 23 July 2009. [https://archive.today/20200319220429/https://www.webcitation.org/5iY1InqVf?url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/story/1122536.html Archived] 26 July 2009. {{Dead link|date=November 2010}} Associated Press personnel were detained and removed from their hotel, but later released.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090630/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_journalists |access-date=13 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090704041145/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090630/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_journalists |title=Journalists briefly detained by troops in Honduras |archive-date=4 July 2009 }} A number of local reporters and media sources reported on harassment and restrictions. Alejandro Villatoro, director of Radio Globo, said that he was arrested and "kidnapped" for some hours by the military.{{cite web|url=http://www.radioglobohonduras.com/|title=Contra la libertad de expresion Fuerzas Armadas de Honduras de toman instalaciones de Radio Globo|first=Alejandro |last=Villatoro |date=30 June 2009|publisher=Radio Globo|language=es|access-date=1 July 2009}}

Honduran newspaper La Prensa reported on 30 June that an armed group of Zelaya supporters, attacked its main headquarters by throwing stones and other objects at their windows, until police intervened.{{cite news|url=http://www.laprensa.hn/Ediciones/2009/06/30/Noticias/Violencia-contra-LA-PRENSA|title=UViolencia contra LA PRENSA|date=30 June 2009|newspaper=La Prensa|access-date=30 June 2009|archive-date=26 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726232621/http://www.laprensa.hn/Ediciones/2009/06/30/Noticias/Violencia-contra-LA-PRENSA|url-status=dead}}{{Unreliable source?|date=July 2009}}

File:2009 Honduras political crisis 9.jpg]]

Protests against the coup began almost immediately, as several thousand Zelaya supporters gathered near the Presidential Palace, confronting the guarding soldiers and lit tires on fire. In response to daily pro-Zelaya protests, Congress approved a decree on 1 July that applied an overnight curfew and allowed security forces to arrest people at home and hold them for more than 24 hours.{{cite news|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/02/world/americas/02honduras.html|title=Compromise Is Sought to Honduras Standoff|date=1 July 2009|access-date=4 July 2009| first1=Marc | last1=Lacey | first2=Ginger | last2=Thompson}}

On 30 June, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution which called for the reinstatement of Zelaya as the President of Honduras. Zelaya spoke in front of the General Assembly where he was applauded several times. In his speech, Zelaya promised not to seek another term as President and said that he would not accept a second term if he were asked to serve again.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8127503.stm|title=UN backs Honduras leader's return |work=BBC News|date=30 June 2009|access-date=30 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090701011920/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8127503.stm| archive-date= 1 July 2009| url-status= live}}

30 June also saw the first rally in support of Zelaya's removal take place in the capital, as thousands of Zelaya opponents took to the main square. Roberto Micheletti made an appearance and said that the November general elections will be held as scheduled and that a new president will be sworn in on 27 January 2010.{{cite news|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/01/content_11630171.htm |title=Honduras' Micheletti joins anti-Zelaya rally in central Tegucigalpa |publisher=Xinhua |date=1 July 2009 |access-date=30 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102115135/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/01/content_11630171.htm |archive-date=2 November 2012 |url-status=dead }} General Romeo Vásquez Velásquez also attended and spoke at the rally.{{cite news|url= http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/88764295/AFP|title=Honduran top military chief General Rome|publisher=Getty Images|date=30 June 2009|access-date=30 June 2009}}

File:nochavezortega.jpg

Honduras was formally suspended from the Organization of American States on 4 July, after the Micheletti government ignored an ultimatum by the OAS to re-instate Zelaya as president.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN0211965120090705|title=Ousted Honduran leader mulls return after OAS ruling|date=5 July 2009|work=Reuters|access-date=5 July 2009}} OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza had arrived in Honduras the previous day to negotiate Zelaya's return.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8133981.stm|title=Honduran court defiant on Zelaya|date=4 July 2009|work=BBC News|access-date=4 July 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090704011800/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8133981.stm| archive-date= 4 July 2009| url-status= live}}

Zelaya met with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington on 7 July. At this meeting, Zelaya agreed to a US-backed proposal for negotiation talks with Micheletti government representatives in Costa Rica set for 9 July.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE56424C20090707?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0|title=Honduras' Zelaya says to meet coup backers on Thursday|work=Reuters|date=7 July 2009|access-date=7 July 2009}} The talks, with Costa Rican President Óscar Arias serving as mediator, proved unsuccessful, as both sides remained far apart according to regional leaders. The participants only agreed to meet again sometime in the future, as Zelaya left Costa Rica to gather more international support.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8145667.stm|title=Honduras talks end without accord |work=BBC News|date=11 July 2009|access-date=12 July 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090712012007/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8145667.stm| archive-date= 12 July 2009| url-status= live}}

Meanwhile, Micheletti announced that he accepted the resignation of his Foreign Minister Enrique Ortez, who, in a TV interview, had called US President Barack Obama "[un] negrito que no sabe nada de nada" ("a little black man who knows nothing about nothing"). The US Embassy in Honduras strongly condemned the comments, which Micheletti described as "a scandalous epithet".Enrique Ortez Colindres calls Obama negrito [https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090708/pl_afp/honduraspoliticsmilitarycoupus_20090708145552 US envoy blasts Honduran minister for racist comments.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715044702/http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090708/pl_afp/honduraspoliticsmilitarycoupus_20090708145552 |date=15 July 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=338754&CategoryId=23558|title=Honduran Foreign Minister Apologizes for Comments on Obama|publisher=Latin American Herald Tribune|date=8 July 2009|access-date=8 July 2009|archive-date=11 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811111103/http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=338754&CategoryId=23558|url-status=dead}} However, Micheletti immediately reinstated Ortez as Minister of Government and Justice.

In mid-July Honduran Roman Catholic Cardinal Óscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga said that he supported Zelaya's removal from office, saying that Zelaya now "doesn't have any authority, moral or legal", while opposing his expulsion from the country.{{cite news | title = Honduran Catholic hierarchy opposes Zelaya, Chavez | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE56E7ZH20090715 | date = 16 July 2007|access-date=16 July 2009| work = Reuters }}

On 15 July 2009, interim president Roberto Micheletti stated he would be prepared to step down "if at some point that decision is needed to bring peace and tranquility to the country, but without the return, and I stress this, of former President Zelaya".{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD99F8FS00 |title=Honduran interim leader: I'm willing to step down |agency=Associated Press |date=15 July 2009 |access-date=16 July 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8153128.stm|title=Honduran leader 'could step down'|publisher=BBC|date=16 July 2009|access-date=16 July 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090716100852/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8153128.stm| archive-date= 16 July 2009| url-status= live}}

In a 16 July interview President Óscar Arias said that he had a mandate from 34 world governments to restore constitutional order in Honduras, by which he meant restore President Zelaya. He rejected Micheletti's proposal to step down if Zelaya did not return to power. He said, "we will see if we can talk of an amnesty, and for whom, over political crimes (veremos si se puede hablar de una amnistía, y para quiénes, sobre delitos políticos)". "Zelaya must abandon his goal of installing a fourth ballot box", he continued. Arias indicated he intended to propose a reconciliation government headed by Zelaya combined with political amnesty.{{cite web|url=http://www.tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/713-arias-propondra-gobierno-de-reconciliacion- |title=Arias propondrá Gobierno de reconciliación |publisher=Diario El Tiempo |date=16 July 2009 |access-date=16 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090719095514/http://www.tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/713-arias-propondra-gobierno-de-reconciliacion- |archive-date=19 July 2009 }}

Meanwhile, both pro- and anti-Zelaya demonstrations continued on an almost daily basis throughout the deeply polarised country.

File:Manifestación ONU 2.jpg

After Zelaya's exile, Chavez alleged that the Venezuelan ambassador was assaulted by Honduran soldiers; Chavez said that if the ambassador were killed or the Venezuelan Embassy were violated, this would constitute an act of war requiring a military response.{{cite news | author=Staff | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/honduras/5681368/Hugo-Chavez-threatens-military-action-in-Honduras.html |title=Hugo Chavez threatens military action in Honduras | work=The Telegraph | location=United Kingdom | date=29 June 2009 }} On 2 July, Honduran police arrested several Cubans and Nicaraguans present at demonstrations, and police sources claimed Venezuelans were active in the anti-coup movement.{{cite news | url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/Ediciones/2009/07/03/Noticias/Confirmada-presencia-de-venezolanos-cubanos-y-nicas | title=Confirmada presencia de venezolanos, cubanos y nicas | language=es | trans-title=Confirmed presence of Venezuelans, Cubans and Nicaraguans | author=Staff | work=El Heraldo | location=Honduras | date=2 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606040255/http://www.elheraldo.hn/Ediciones/2009/07/03/Noticias/Confirmada-presencia-de-venezolanos-cubanos-y-nicas | archive-date=6 June 2011 | url-status=dead }} On 5 July, Venezuelan media showed Hugo Chávez watching Zelaya's attempt to land. Accidentally visible in Chávez's office was the text "051345JUL09 Swarm of africanized bees, Presidential Podium, wounded by stings and desperation of the people", the military-style code for 5, 13 July:45 coincided with a violent confrontation in Honduras.{{cite news | url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/layout/set/print/content/view/print/183051 |title=Un Chávez nervioso intenta ahora explicar que no planeó masacre | language=es | trans-title=A nervous Chavez now tries to explain that he did not plan to slaughter | author=Staff | work=El Heraldo | location=Honduras | date=11 July 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090716003429/http://www.elheraldo.hn/layout/set/print/content/view/print/183051 | archive-date=16 July 2009 | url-status=dead }}{{cite news|url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/index.php/Ediciones/2009/07/09/Noticias/Venezuela-tenia-fuerza-militar-para-Zelaya/(offset)/5 |title=Venezuela tenía fuerza militar para Zelaya |language=es |trans-title=Venezuela provided military force for Zelaya |author=Staff |work=El Heraldo |location=Honduras |date=9 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712044533/http://www.elheraldo.hn/index.php/Ediciones/2009/07/09/Noticias/Venezuela-tenia-fuerza-militar-para-Zelaya/%28offset%29/5 |archive-date=12 July 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news | url=http://eng.laprensa.hn/Apertura/Ediciones/2009/07/11/Noticias/Chavez-Adviced-Mel-Not-to-Meet-with-Micheletti | title=Chávez Adviced (sic) Mel Not to Meet with Micheletti | work=La Prensa | author=Staff | location=Honduras | date=10 July 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-date=15 August 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815171934/http://eng.laprensa.hn/Apertura/Ediciones/2009/07/11/Noticias/Chavez-Adviced-Mel-Not-to-Meet-with-Micheletti }}{{cite web|url=http://www.hoy.com.ec/noticias-ecuador/chavez-coordino-accion-militar-357278.html |title=Chávez quería provocar un baño de sangre |language=es |trans-title=Chavez wanted to provoke a bloodbath |publisher=Hoy |location=Ecuador |website=Explored: Archivo Digital de Noticias del Ecuador |date=9 July 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090712005414/http://www.hoy.com.ec/noticias-ecuador/chavez-coordino-accion-militar-357278.html |archive-date=12 July 2009 }} On 8 July, Colombia arrested 80 Venezuelans who attempted to travel to Honduras.{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldohn.com/index.php/Ediciones/2009/07/08/Noticias/Detienen-venezolanos-que-viajaban-a-Honduras/(offset)/35 |title=Detienen venezolanos que viajaban a Honduras |trans-title=Arrested Venezuelans who traveled to Honduras |language=es |author=Staff |work=El Heraldo |location=Honduras |date=8 July 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125093746/http://www.heraldohn.com/index.php/Ediciones/2009/07/08/Noticias/Detienen-venezolanos-que-viajaban-a-Honduras/(offset)/35 |archive-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |access-date=27 November 2014 }} On 27 July, police confiscated a booklet in a car owned by Carlos Eduardo Reina, a leader of pro-Zelaya operations. It allegedly contained a list of 15 receipts, dated 24 July, and references to a meeting near Nicaraguan border. The receipts totalled 160,000 US dollars.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldohn.com/content/view/full/212170 |title=Tres millones para apoyar marchas de Zelaya |newspaper=El Heraldo |date=28 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091212143124/http://www.heraldohn.com/content/view/full/212170 |archive-date=12 December 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url=http://www.laprensahn.com/Ediciones/2009/07/28/Noticias/En-dolares-pagan-a-lideres-de-protestas-pro-Zelaya |title=En dólares pagan a líderes de protestas pro Zelaya |date=28 July 2009 |newspaper=La Prensa |access-date=12 June 2010 |archive-date=31 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731150859/http://www.laprensahn.com/Ediciones/2009/07/28/Noticias/En-dolares-pagan-a-lideres-de-protestas-pro-Zelaya |url-status=dead }} Hugo Chávez allegedly made payments to ambassadors of Honduras.{{cite news |url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/09/21/Noticias/Hasta-venezolanos-estuvieron-en-el-consulado-de-LA |title=Hasta venezolanos estuvieron en el consulado de LA |newspaper=El Heraldo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926172619/http://www.elheraldo.hn/Pa%C3%ADs/Ediciones/2009/09/21/Noticias/Hasta-venezolanos-estuvieron-en-el-consulado-de-LA |archive-date=26 September 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=18 December 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/Ediciones/2009/08/07/Noticias/Venezuela-le-paga-a-embajador-Reina |title=Venezuela le paga a embajador Reina |newspaper=El Heraldo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090810115631/http://www.elheraldo.hn/Ediciones/2009/08/07/Noticias/Venezuela-le-paga-a-embajador-Reina |archive-date=10 August 2009 |url-status=dead }}

In October 2009, Daniel Ortega hinted that the "Resistance" is searching for weapons and training centres. Hugo Chávez said "I'm just warning... no one to be surprised if there is an armed movement in the mountains of Honduras".{{cite news|url=http://www.laprensa.hn/Sintesis/Lo-ultimo/Ediciones/2009/10/18/Noticias/La-resistencia-niega-que-este-buscando-armas |title=La resistencia niega que esté buscando armas |newspaper=La Prensa |date=18 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091020034417/http://www.laprensa.hn/Sintesis/Lo-ultimo/Ediciones/2009/10/18/Noticias/La-resistencia-niega-que-este-buscando-armas |archive-date=20 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|url=http://www.elheraldo.hn/Mundo/Ediciones/2009/10/18/Noticias/Chavez-alerta-sobre-surgimiento-de-guerrilla |title=Chávez "alerta" sobre surgimiento de guerrilla |newspaper=El Heraldo |date=18 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021040028/http://www.elheraldo.hn/Mundo/Ediciones/2009/10/18/Noticias/Chavez-alerta-sobre-surgimiento-de-guerrilla |archive-date=21 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news| url=http://www.proceso.hn/2009/10/17/Proceso%2BPol%C3%ADtico/Ortega.confiesa.que/17546.html| title=Ortega confiesa que resistencia hondureña busca armas en países centroamericanos| publisher=Proceso Digital| access-date=12 June 2010| archive-date=25 February 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225191403/http://www.proceso.hn/2009/10/17/Proceso+Pol%C3%ADtico/Ortega.confiesa.que/17546.html| url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Frente Nacional contra el Golpe de Estado en Honduras}}

Much of the opposition to the de facto Micheletti government and its actions were coordinated through a wide coalition of grassroots organisations and political parties and movements formerly known as Frente Nacional contra el Golpe de Estado en Honduras (FNGE), now Frente Nacional de Resistencia Popular.{{cite web |last=Santibáñez |first=Samuel |title=Honduras: La disyuntiva de la revolución no es democracia o dictadura, sino capitalismo o socialismo |publisher=Militante |date=2 August 2009 |url=http://www.militante.org/honduras-la-disyuntiva-es-capitalismo-o-socialismo |access-date=10 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808055551/http://www.militante.org/honduras-la-disyuntiva-es-capitalismo-o-socialismo |archive-date=8 August 2009 |url-status=dead }} The FNGE aimed to restore elected President Manuel Zelaya in replacement of the de facto Roberto Micheletti government,{{cite web |title=Llamamiento del Frente Nacional contra el Golpe de Estado en Honduras a la Clase Obrera Mundial |publisher=Centro de Estudios y Apoyo Laboral (CEAL) – Derechos Laborales en Centroamerica |date=3 August 2009 |url=http://www.ceal-dlca.org/2009/08/llamamiento-del-frente-nacional-contra.html |access-date=10 August 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240524111011/https://www.webcitation.org/5ivkETfGT?url=http://www.ceal-dlca.org/2009/08/llamamiento-del-frente-nacional-contra.html |archive-date=24 May 2024 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Frente Nacional Contra el Golpe de Estado en Honduras |language=Es |publisher=Plataforma Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, Democracia y Desarrollo |date=12 July 2009 |url=http://www.pidhdd.org/content/view/680/165/ |access-date=10 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128122113/http://www.pidhdd.org/content/view/680/165/ |archive-date=28 January 2016 |url-status=dead }} which is perceived by the participating organisations as a dictatorship, considering the documented human rights violations{{cite web |url=http://www.tvpts.tv/enhondurasnopasaran/?p=664 |title=16 de Agosto: MUERTOS 101 HONDURAS GOLPE MILITAR. CODEH – En Honduras No Pasarán |publisher=Tvpts.tv |date=4 October 2009 |access-date=19 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303040122/http://www.tvpts.tv/enhondurasnopasaran/?p=664 |archive-date=3 March 2012 |url-status=dead }} since the coup d’état and the reappearance of figures involved in disappearances and torture{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/08/world/americas/08joya.html | work=The New York Times | title=A Cold War Ghost Reappears in Honduras | first=Ginger | last=Thompson | date=8 August 2009| access-date=12 June 2010}} in former coups d’état. The FNGE supports a process of participatory democracy that should lead to a national constituent assembly.{{cite web|author=Frente Nacional contra el Golpe de Estado en Honduras |author-link=Frente Nacional contra el Golpe de Estado en Honduras |title=Posicionamiento frente al encuentro de San José, Costa Rica. |date=10 July 2009 |url=http://contraelgolpedeestadohn.blogspot.com/2009/07/posicionamiento-frente-al-encuentro-de.html |access-date=10 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029173123/http://contraelgolpedeestadohn.blogspot.com/2009/07/posicionamiento-frente-al-encuentro-de.html |archive-date=29 October 2009 |url-status=live }}

FNGE held marches every day since 28 June, except the days when a curfew was imposed, where demonstrations took place in grassroot neighbourhoods. Notable marches on 5 July 15 September, and 27 January involved over 200,000 people per day.{{cite web |url=http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/marcha-de-la-resistencia-del-15-de-septiembre-p04/3587706848 |title=Marcha de la resistencia del 15 de septiembre p04 – AOL Video |publisher=Video.aol.co.uk |access-date=30 August 2010 |archive-date=16 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116101950/http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/marcha-de-la-resistencia-del-15-de-septiembre-p04/3587706848 |url-status=dead }}

{{Main|Human rights in Honduras}}

A number of groups have published reports, including COFADEH,{{cite web|title=Informe Preliminar Violaciones A Derechos Humanos En El Marco Del Golpe De Estado En Honduras |publisher=Comité de Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos en Honduras |date=15 July 2009 |url=http://www.cofadeh.org/html/documentos/informe_violaciones_ddhh_golpe_estado.doc |access-date=30 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029175718/http://www.cofadeh.org/html/documentos/informe_violaciones_ddhh_golpe_estado.doc |archive-date=29 October 2009 |url-status=usurped }} International Federation of Human Rights,{{cite web|last=Pérez |first=Luis Guillermo |author2=(many) |title=Gobierno de facto viola derechos humanos |publisher=Agencia Latinoamerica de Información |date=6 August 2009 |url=http://alainet.org/active/32206 |access-date=26 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203021554/http://alainet.org/active/32206 |archive-date=3 December 2009 |url-status=live |language=es }}{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2009}} "La Misión Internacional de Solidaridad, Observación y Acompañamiento a Honduras",{{cite web|title=International Mission denounces the brutal repression of pacific demonstrations |publisher=Agencia Latinoamerica de Información |date=30 July 2009 |url=http://www.alainet.org/active/32099 |access-date=2 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724231655/http://www.alainet.org/active/32099 |archive-date=24 July 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2009}} "Quixote Center Emergency Delegation of Solidarity, Accompaniment and Witness",{{cite web|author=Quixote Center Emergency Delegation of Solidarity, Accompaniment and Witness |title=Letter to Honduran Attorney General Rubi |publisher=Quixote Center |date=7 August 2009 |url=http://quixote.org/node/934 |access-date=9 August 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20101127152452/http://quixote.org/node/934 |archive-date=27 November 2010 |url-status=dead }} Amnesty International,{{cite web| title =Honduras: human rights crisis threatens as repression increases| publisher =Amnesty International| date =19 August 2009| url =https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/amr37/004/2009/en// |format =PDF| access-date =19 August 2009}}{{cite news| title =Police brutality rampant in Honduras, amnesty report says| publisher =CNN| date =19 August 2009| url =http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/08/19/honduras.amnesty.report/ | access-date =19 August 2009}} the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR),{{cite web| title =Preliminary Observations on the IACHR Visit to Honduras | publisher =Inter-American Commission on Human Rights| date =21 August 2009| url =http://www.cidh.oas.org/Comunicados/English/2009/60-09eng.Preliminary.Observations.htm | access-date =28 August 2009}} and Human Rights Watch{{cite web|author=Human Rights Watch |author-link=Human Rights Watch |title=Honduras: Rights Report Shows Need for Increased International Pressure |publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=25 August 2009 |url=https://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/08/25/honduras-rights-report-shows-need-increased-international-pressure |access-date=28 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090827025307/http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/08/25/honduras-rights-report-shows-need-increased-international-pressure |archive-date=27 August 2009 |url-status=live }} that documented instances of sexual violence, excessive use of military force, arbitrary detentions, threats at gunpoint against judges responsible for habeas corpus detention and beating members of the media and several confirmed deaths and disappearances allegedly attributable to the de facto government.

19-year-old Isis Obed Murillo Mencías was shot in the head on 5 July when Zelaya's plane was trying to land at Toncontin Airport;{{cite news|last=Figueroa |first=Laura |title=Honduran teen's slaying propels youth movement |newspaper=The Miami Herald |date=13 July 2009 |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/v-fullstory/story/1138977.html |access-date=7 August 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240524110728/https://www.webcitation.org/5iqtk8yk3?url=http://www.miamiherald.com/news/americas/v-fullstory/story/1138977.html |archive-date=24 May 2024 |url-status=live }} Roger Iván Bados, former union leader, member of the Democratic Unification Party and Bloque Popular, shot dead on 11 July while entering his home in San Pedro Sula; 40-year-old campesino leader and Democratic Unification Party member Ramón García on 12 July, after he was forced by unknown people to get off a bus; 23-year-old Pedro Magdiel Muñoz Salvador, allegedly detained by police during anti-coup protests and taken to an El Paraíso police station on 24 July, was allegedly found at 6:30 am the following morning with 42 stab wounds;{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD99LR86O3 |title=Exiled Honduran leader makes 2nd trip to border |publisher=Associated Press) |access-date=12 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805091114/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD99LR86O3 |archive-date=5 August 2009 }}{{cite web|last=Emanuelsson |first=Dick |title=Atentado con bomba en sede de sindicato hondureño |publisher=Tercera Informacion |date=28 July 2009 |url=http://www.tercerainformacion.es/?Atentado-con-bomba-en-sede-de |access-date=7 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720143703/http://www.tercerainformacion.es/?Atentado-con-bomba-en-sede-de |archive-date=20 July 2011 |url-status=dead |language=es }}{{cite web|last=COFADEH |author-link=Comité de Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos en Honduras |title=Communiqué on the murder of Pedro Magdiel Muñoz Salvador |publisher=Derechos Human Rights |date=26 July 2009 |url=http://www.derechos.org/nizkor/honduras/doc/golpe97en.html |access-date=7 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515024317/http://www.derechos.org/nizkor/honduras/doc/golpe97en.html |archive-date=15 May 2019 |url-status=live }} 38-year-old high school teacher Roger Abraham Vallejo Soriano, shot in the head allegedly by security forces during protests on 31 July, died on 1 August{{cite web|url=http://www.tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/1566-desalojan-carretera-con-bombas-lacrimogenas |title=Hieren a manifestante en Tegucigalpa |publisher=Diario El Tiempo |date=30 July 2009 |access-date=30 July 2009 |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802095249/http://www.tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/1566-desalojan-carretera-con-bombas-lacrimogenas |archive-date=2 August 2009 }}{{cite news|url=http://www.tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/1735-fallece-mestro-seguidor-de-zelaya-herido-durante-marcha-en-honduras |title=Fallece maestro seguidor de Zelaya herido durante marcha en Honduras |newspaper=El Tiempo |date=1 August 2009 |access-date=1 August 2009 |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090804074241/http://www.tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/1735-fallece-mestro-seguidor-de-zelaya-herido-durante-marcha-en-honduras |archive-date=4 August 2009 }}

On 3 July, Radio América journalist Gabriel Fino Noriega was murdered near La Ceiba.{{cite web |url=http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=28957&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |title=journalist Gabriel Fino Noriega and calls for lifting of restrictions on press freedom |publisher=Portal.unesco.org |access-date=30 August 2010 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20151215021944/http://portal.unesco.org/ci/en/ev.php-URL_ID=28957&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html |archive-date=15 December 2015 |url-status=dead }}

On or just before 4 August 2009, the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) terminated Radio Globo's transmission frequency rights.{{cite web |title=Gobierno de facto anuncia el cierre de Radio Globo |publisher=COFADEH |language=es |date=5 August 2009 |url=http://www.medioscomunitarios.org/honduras/pag/index.php?id=33&idn=7811 |access-date=5 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029175449/http://www.cofadeh.org/html/noticias/golpe_estado_co9natel_quiere_cerrar_radio_globo.html |archive-date=29 October 2009 |url-status=dead }}

The Paris-based press freedom group Reporters Without Borders released a statement on 29 June stating that, "The suspension or closure of local and international broadcast media indicates that the coup leaders want to hide what is happening."{{cite news | url = https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN29399379 | access-date =1 July 2009| work=Reuters | first=Mica | last=Rosenberg | title=Honduran army smothers media after coup | date=29 June 2009}}

Carlos Lauría of the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said: "The de facto government clearly used the security forces to restrict the news... Hondurans did not know what was going on. They clearly acted to create an information vacuum to keep people unaware of what was actually happening." However, in an interview published on 9 July 2009 in The Washington Post, Ramón Custodio López, Honduras's human rights ombudsman, said he had received no official complaints from journalists: "This is the first I have heard about an occupation or military raid of a station," he said. "I try to do the best job I can, but there are things that escape my knowledge."{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/09/AR2009070902820.html|title= In Honduras, One-Sided News of Crisis|date=9 July 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Juan|last=Forero|access-date=10 July 2009}}

On 21 August 2009, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) dispatched a six-member delegation which reported accusations it received. The delegation was told of alleged violent confrontations and arbitrary arrests. Someone even accused police of rape. Some alleged that judges were threatened "at gunpoint". According to the received allegations, 3,500 and 4,000 people had been arrested. The IACHR also received accusations that the government has threatened, detained and beaten members of the media. Based on the statements it received, the delegation concluded that there was "an atmosphere of intimidation that inhibits the free exercise of freedom of expression". On the same day, 93 academics and authors, mostly from United States universities, criticised Human Rights Watch's lack of statements and reports on Honduras between 8 July and 21 August.{{cite web|last1=Grandin |first1=Greg |author-link=Greg Grandin |first2=Adrienne |last2=Pine |title=Over 90 Experts Call on Human Rights Watch to Speak Out on Honduras Abuses |publisher=Common Dreams |date=22 August 2009 |url=http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2009/08/21 |access-date=22 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829195013/http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2009/08/21 |archive-date=29 August 2009 |url-status=live }}{{Unreliable source?|date=December 2009}} Four days later, Human Rights Watch published a summary of the IACHR report and stated that it had published reports up to 8 July and that human rights supporters had encouraged the IACHR to "directly [intervene]". ABC News (United States) claimed that HRW had "commissioned" the IACHR report.{{cite news|last=Hurtado |first=Viviana |title=Honduran Government Wages Campaign of Fear and Intimidation, Human Rights Group Alleges |work=ABC News |date=26 August 2009 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=8419368 |access-date=26 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904212232/https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=8419368 |archive-date=4 September 2009 |url-status=live }}

Violent confrontations with media continued from both Zelaya supporters and opponents during the week of 12 August 2009.{{cite web |url=http://www.rsf.org/In-new-wave-of-violence-against.html |title=In new wave of violence against media, de facto regime "reaps what it sowed" |publisher=Reporters Without Borders |date=17 August 2009 |access-date=17 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090930184154/http://www.rsf.org/In-new-wave-of-violence-against.html |archive-date=30 September 2009 |url-status=dead }}

On 10 October, Honduras' interim leaders put in place new rules that threaten broadcasters with closure for airing reports that "attack national security", further restricting media freedom following the closure of two opposition stations.{{cite news| title =New media measures take effect in Honduras| agency =Associated Press| date =10 October 2009| url =https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD9B8J0DG2 | access-date =11 October 2009}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Zelaya made two initial, open attempts to return to his country, which were rebuffed. On 5 July he attempted to return by air, and the Micheletti government responded by closing Toncontín International Airport and sending the military to guard the runways.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}} As thousands of Zelaya supporters gathered at the airport to meet him, one was confirmed dead and scores injured,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8135358.stm|title=Zelaya's jet blocked in Honduras |work=BBC News|date=6 July 2009|access-date=5 July 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090706011713/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8135358.stm| archive-date= 6 July 2009| url-status= live}} when "several soldiers walked through [the crowd] and began firing indiscriminately".{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article6652940.ece|title=Teenager killed in Honduras as soldiers fire on Zelaya supporters at airport|publisher=Times Newspapers Ltd.|date=7 July 2009| location=London | first=Hannah | last=Strange| access-date=12 June 2010}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

On 26 July, Zelaya briefly entered into Honduran territory, at a border crossing between Honduras and Nicaragua near Las Manos in El Paraíso Department.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8168326.stm|title=Ousted Zelaya makes brief return |work=BBC News|date=25 July 2009|access-date=3 August 2009}}

On 21 September 2009, Zelaya and his wife arrived at the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa. Zelaya stated that to reach the embassy he travelled through mountains for fifteen hours, and took back roads to avoid checkpoints, but he did not state from which country he entered Honduras. He stated to Canal 36 that "I am here in Tegucigalpa. I am here for the restoration of democracy, to call for dialogue".

Michelletti initially denied that Zelaya had returned. After admitting the return, he issued a curfew and asked the Brazilian government to put Zelaya in Honduran custody to be put on trial. Brazilian foreign minister Celso Amorim stated that Brazil did not aid Zelaya's return.

Thousands of Zelaya supporters soon congregated around the embassy. Security Vice-Minister Mario Perdomo ordered checkpoints to be placed on highways leading to Tegucigalpa, to "stop those people coming to start trouble". Defense Minister Lionel Sevilla suspended all air flights to Tegucigalpa. Late that day, Honduran security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds outside the Brazilian embassy. The interim government also surrounded the area with military and several agencies reported that 'hooded men' had stormed the building next to the embassy. About 50 pro-Zelaya supporters have been reported wounded by police.

Electricity was cut off to the embassy area and Canal 36 TV; however, Radio Globo sent out a broadcast that included a call for generators and a pledge by the head of the electrical workers union to send technicians which shortly led to power being restored to the immediate area. The curfew was then extended until 6:00 pm the following day, a drastic measure because it means that all workplaces will be closed during daylight hours.{{cite web|title=Al Jazeera English – Americas – Tensions rise in Honduran standoff |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/09/200992315544655365.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924101922/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/09/200992315544655365.html |archive-date=24 September 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=25 September 2009 }}{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8267982.stm |work=BBC News | title=Zelaya 'will rebuild democracy' | date=21 September 2009| access-date=12 June 2010}}{{Cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090922/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925014907/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090922/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup|url-status=dead|title=Deposed Honduran president holed up in embassy - Yahoo! News|archivedate=25 September 2009|website=news.yahoo.com}}{{cite web|agency=AFP |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j0_WWFY5CACq0zLIHY03N12ZVZlQ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104000335/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5j0_WWFY5CACq0zLIHY03N12ZVZlQ |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 January 2013 |title=Google hosted news |date=21 September 2009 |access-date=30 August 2010 }}{{cite news | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/world/americas/22honduras.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=a1 | work=The New York Times | first=Elisabeth | last=Malkin | title=Ousted Leader Returns to Honduras | date=22 September 2009| access-date=12 June 2010}}{{cite web |title=Ousted President Outwits Foes With Secret Journey to Brazilian Embassy in the Capital, Guardian News & Media |url=http://www.buzzle.com/articles/310478.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610055452/http://www.buzzle.com/articles/310478.html |archive-date=10 June 2011 |url-status=usurped |access-date=25 September 2009 }}

Installed inside the embassy, Zelaya complained of harassment from the Micheletti government aided by Israeli mercenaries. He claimed they had installed a mobile phone jammer, which he showed to the press,{{cite news|first=Pablo |last=Ordaz |language=es |title=Mercenarios israelíes, ultrasonidos y suicidios fingidos |date=24 September 2009 |newspaper=El País |url=http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Mercenarios/israelies/ultrasonidos/suicidios/fingidos/elpepuint/20090924elpepuint_7/Tes |access-date=26 September 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130122160636/http://www.elpais.com/articulo/internacional/Mercenarios/israelies/ultrasonidos/suicidios/fingidos/elpepuint/20090924elpepuint_7/Tes |archive-date=22 January 2013 |url-status=live }} and assaulted the occupants of the embassy with toxic gases and radiation,{{cite news|first=Frances |last=Robles |title=They're torturing me, Honduras' Manuel Zelaya claims |url=http://www.miamiherald.com/honduras/v-fullstory/story/1248828.html |newspaper=Miami Herald |date=24 September 2009 |access-date=25 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007013830/http://www.miamiherald.com/honduras/v-fullstory/story/1248828.html |archive-date=7 October 2009 }} which allegedly caused nose or stomach bleeding or related symptoms in over 25 people inside the embassy.{{cite web |url=http://www.tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/4447-marco-rosa-confirma-intoxicacion-dentro-de-la-embajada-de-brasil |title=Marco Rosa confirma intoxicación dentro de la embajada de Brasil |publisher=El Tiempo (Honduras) |date=25 September 2009 |access-date=25 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928032919/http://www.tiempo.hn/secciones/crisis-politica/4447-marco-rosa-confirma-intoxicacion-dentro-de-la-embajada-de-brasil |archive-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=dead }}

On 24 September, Brazil called an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council.{{cite news | url = http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/09/23/honduras.brazil.un/index.html | access-date =25 September 2009| work=CNN | title=Micheletti defends response to Zelaya's return to Honduras | date=24 September 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091029060656/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/09/23/honduras.brazil.un/index.html| archive-date= 29 October 2009| url-status= live}} The Brazilian foreign minister Celso Amorim told the Security Council that "since the day it has sheltered President Zelaya at its premises, the Brazilian Embassy has been virtually under siege" and that "it has been submitted to acts of harassment and intimidation by the de facto authorities".{{ UN document |docid=S-PV-6192 |body=Security Council |type=Verbatim Report |meeting=6192 |page=2 |anchor=pg002-bk08-pa04 |date=25 September 2009|speakername=Mr. Amorim | speakernation=Brazil |accessdate=29 September 2009}}[https://web.archive.org/web/20090928052054/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-09/26/content_12112544.htm UN Security Council defends inviolability of Brazilian embassy in Honduras] Xinhua. Retrieved 25 September 2009. The UN Security Council defended the inviolability of Brazilian embassy and "called upon the de facto government of Honduras to cease harassing the Brazilian embassy and to provide all necessary utilities and services, including water, electricity, food and continuity of communications".{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8275988.stm | access-date =25 September 2009|work=BBC News | title=UN condemns Honduras 'harassment' | date=25 September 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090930145951/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8275988.stm| archive-date= 30 September 2009| url-status= live}}

Amnesty International representative Susan Lee described human rights violations by Micheletti's security forces following Zelaya's return as "alarming".{{cite web|title=Beatings and detentions follow Honduras demonstrations |publisher=Amnesty International |date=24 September 2009 |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/beatings-and-detentions-follow-honduras-demonstrations-20090924 |access-date=24 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928023132/http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/news/beatings-and-detentions-follow-honduras-demonstrations-20090924 |archive-date=28 September 2009 |url-status=live }} These included a "sharp rise in police beatings" and hundreds of arrests of political demonstrators throughout Honduras, and intimidation of human rights defenders by police firing tear gas canisters into the building of the human rights NGO Comité de Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos en Honduras (COFADEH), at a moment when about 100 people were in the COFADEH office, many who were in COFADEH to report human rights violations earlier that day. Dozens of the protestors detained were held in unauthorised detention sites in Tegucigalpa on 22 September. Amnesty International also reported limits imposed by the de facto authorities on free speech, in which Radio Globo and the TV channel 36 "suffered power stoppages or constant interruptions to their transmissions which prevented them from broadcasting". Susan Lee stated "The only way forward is for the de facto authorities to stop the policy of repression and violence and instead respect the rights of freedom of expression and association."

On 28 September 2009, after pressure from home and abroad, Micheletti said that he would lift his decree suspending civil liberties. As of 2 October 2009, Mr. Micheletti had not done so, but told a visiting delegation of Republican members of the US Congress that he would lift the decree and restore civil liberties by Monday, 5 October 2009 at the latest, according to a spokesman for a member of the delegation.{{cite news| last =Malkin| first =Elisabeth| title =A Promise to Restore Civil Liberties Is Slow to Become Reality in Honduras |work=The New York Times| date =2 October 2009| url =https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/world/americas/03honduras.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper | access-date =3 October 2009}} On 5 October 2009, Micheletti said that he was lifting the decree but also said that the pro-Zelaya media that had been closed down by the de facto government, Radio Globo and Canal 36 TV, would have to appear before the courts to regain their broadcast permits.{{cite news| title =Honduras repeals emergency decree | publisher =CNN| date =6 October 2009| url =http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/10/06/honduras.turmoil/ | access-date =6 October 2009}} On 19 October 2009, the decree was reversed in the official gazette.{{cite news| last1 =Rosenberg| first1 =Mica|first2=Gustavo|last2=Palencia| title =Honduras de facto leader lifts ban on media, protests | work =Reuters| date =19 October 2009| url =http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE59I43L20091019/ | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20110809152001/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE59I43L20091019 | url-status =dead | archive-date =9 August 2011 | access-date =19 October 2009}}

{{Main|Guaymuras dialogue - Tegucigalpa/San José accord}}

On 29 October 2009, the de facto Micheletti government signed an agreement with Zelaya's negotiators that would allow the Honduran Congress to vote on whether the ousted president would be restored and allowed to serve out the few remaining months of his term.{{cite news| last =Malkin| first=Elisabeth| title =Deal Reached in Honduras to Restore Ousted President|work=The New York Times| date =30 October 2009| url =https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/world/americas/31honduras.html?hp | access-date =30 October 2009}} Zelaya chose not to give a list of candidates for the unity government to Micheletti, arguing that the Congress was unacceptably delaying the agreed-upon vote on his restoration.

When Micheletti announced he had, unilaterally, formed the unity government without input from Zelaya, Zelaya declared the agreement "dead" early on 6 November. The United States sent diplomats to help to resurrect the pact, but Zelaya insisted that he would not accept any deal to restore him to office if it meant he must recognise the elections of 29 November.

{{Main|Honduran general election, 2009}}

With Micheletti indicating that he would temporarily step down to allow voters to concentrate on the upcoming presidential elections,{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091120/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=Honduras interim president may take leave for vote |date=20 November 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=27 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091123084648/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091120/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |archive-date=23 November 2009 |url-status=dead }} and congressional and judicial leadership refusing to reinstate Zelaya before the elections, Panamá,{{cite web|url=http://www.laestrella.com.pa/mensual/2009/11/14/contenido/13013531.asp |title=Martinelli: Panamá reconocerá a ganador de elecciones en Honduras |trans-title=Martinelli: Panama will recognize the winner of elections in Honduras |date=14 November 2009 |publisher=LaEstrella.com.pa |access-date=27 November 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091117180025/http://www.laestrella.com.pa/mensual/2009/11/14/contenido/13013531.asp |archive-date=17 November 2009 }} Costa Rica,{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091127/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=Costa Rica: Honduras vote must be backed if fair |date=27 November 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=28 November 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} and the United States indicated that they would support the outcome, but international support for the elections remained scant leading up to the polls.

In the days preceding the elections, United States,{{cite web|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2009/11/2009112843327135878.html |title=US to recognise Honduras election – Americas |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=28 November 2009|access-date=19 October 2010}} Israel, Italy, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Germany, Costa Rica and Japan also announced their intentions to recognise the results of the elections.{{cite web |author=Redacción |url=http://elheraldo.hn/Especiales/Elecciones%20Generales%202009%20del%2001%20de%20octubre%20de%202009/Ediciones/2009/11/28/Noticias/Israel-apoya-las-elecciones-de-Honduras |title=Israel apoya las elecciones de Honduras – Al Frente |language=es |publisher=ElHeraldo.hn |date=28 November 2009 |access-date=30 August 2010 |archive-date=21 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721095213/http://elheraldo.hn/Especiales/Elecciones%20Generales%202009%20del%2001%20de%20octubre%20de%202009/Ediciones/2009/11/28/Noticias/Israel-apoya-las-elecciones-de-Honduras |url-status=dead }}{{cite press release |last1=Frank |first1=Dana |title=No Fair Election in Honduras under Military Occupation |url=http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/11/27-3?print |website=Common Dreams |access-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128185402/http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/11/27-3?print |archive-date=2012-01-28 |date=2009-11-27 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=German Parliament Votes to Support Honduran Elections|url=http://www.hondurasthisweek.com/international/1766-german-parliament-votes-to-support-honduran-elections |access-date=2 December 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222140816/http://www.hondurasthisweek.com/international/1766-german-parliament-votes-to-support-honduran-elections |archive-date=22 December 2015 }}{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/28/world/americas/28honduras.html |title=U.S. Approach to Honduras Raises Doubts in Latin America |first=Ginger |last=Thompson |work=The New York Times |date=27 November 2009 |access-date=14 June 2014}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.laprensa.hn/honduras/japon-respalda-proceso-electoral-de-honduras-KBLP535681 |title=Japón respalda proceso electoral de Honduras |language=es |trans-title=Japan Supports Honduran Election Procedures |access-date=2022-03-31 |newspaper=La Prensa (Honduras) }}{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091130/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_elections |title=Honduras hopes to move past coup with election (Version 2) |date=30 November 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=30 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203151236/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091130/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_elections |archive-date=3 December 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Organisations and individuals in Honduras, including the National Resistance Front against the coup d’État in Honduras,{{cite news|title=Pro-Zelaya organization issues ultimatum for Zelaya's restitution |date=6 November 2009 |publisher=Xinhua News Agency |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/06/content_12398164.htm |access-date=6 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109082937/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/06/content_12398164.htm |archive-date=9 November 2009 |url-status=dead }} Marvin Ponce of the Democratic Unification Party, and Bertha Oliva of Comité de Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos en Honduras,{{cite web |title=Honduras' Most Prominent Human Rights Expert Calls on Obama Administration to Denounce "Grave Human Rights Violations" |publisher=Center for Economic and Policy Research |date=5 November 2009 |url=http://www.cepr.net/index.php/press-releases/press-releases/honduras-human-rights-expert/ |access-date=6 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091120190638/http://www.cepr.net/index.php/press-releases/press-releases/honduras-human-rights-expert/ |archive-date=20 November 2009 |url-status=dead }} and internationally, including Mercosur,{{cite web|title=Mercosur warns it rejects any attempt to call new elections in Honduras |publisher=Mercopress |date=25 July 2009 |url=http://en.mercopress.com/2009/07/25/mercosur-warns-it-rejects-any-attempt-to-call-new-elections-in-honduras |access-date=9 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090730084050/http://en.mercopress.com/2009/07/25/mercosur-warns-it-rejects-any-attempt-to-call-new-elections-in-honduras/ |archive-date=30 July 2009 |url-status=live }} President Cristina Kirchner of Argentina and

the Union of South American Nations,{{cite news|title=Union of South American Nations rejects elections under Honduran de facto regime |date=10 August 2009 |publisher=Guelph Mercury/AP/The Canadian Press |url=http://news.guelphmercury.com/Wire/News_Wire/World/article/520436 |access-date=23 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225073618/http://news.guelphmercury.com/Wire/News_Wire/World/article/520436 |archive-date=25 February 2012 |url-status=live }} said that elections held on 29 November under Micheletti would not be legitimate.

On 29 November 2009, a presidential election was held, according to the Honduran constitution. Five candidates ran for president. Early returns indicate that conservative Porfirio Lobo was elected with around 55% of the votes.{{cite web |url=http://www.proceso.hn/2009/11/29/Pol%C3%ADtica/Tribunal.confirma.triunfo/18636.html |title=Proceso Digital |publisher=Proceso.hn |date=31 December 2006 |access-date=30 August 2010 |archive-date=1 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201191808/http://www.proceso.hn/2009/11/29/Pol%C3%ADtica/Tribunal.confirma.triunfo/18636.html |url-status=dead }} Official numbers for the turnout of the election placed it at around 60%, which was subsequently officially revised down to 49% – a considerable decline on the 55% 2005 election turnout.{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/en/node/4940819 |title=Honduras revises down participation in disputed polls |date=4 December 2009 |publisher=AFP via France24 |access-date=5 December 2009 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

The European Parliament did not send observers.[http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+CRE+20091111+ITEM-022+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN Political situation in Honduras with a view to the elections on 29 November 2009 (debate)]. European Parliament, Wednesday, 11 November 2009 – Brussels However, observers were sent by the centre-right European People's Party, who reported a "high degree of civic maturity and exemplar democratic behaviour" during the elections.[http://www.eppgroup.eu/press/showpr.asp?PRControlDocTypeID=1&PRControlID=8931&PRContentID=15466&PRContentLG=en El Grupo PPE reconoce plena legitimidad a las elecciones de Honduras] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000753/http://www.eppgroup.eu/press/showpr.asp?PRControlDocTypeID=1&PRControlID=8931&PRContentID=15466&PRContentLG=en |date=15 December 2017 }}. EPP Group in the European Parliament

On 2 December, the National Congress debated regarding the possible reinstatement of Zelaya to the presidency. A vast majority of the lawmakers voted against Zelaya's reinstatement. The 128 member Congress voted 111 to 14 against reinstating Zelaya, affirming its 28 June decision.{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/03/world/americas/03honduras.html | title = Honduran Congress Votes Down Return by Zelaya |work=The New York Times | date = 3 December 2009| first=Elisabeth | last=Malkin| access-date=12 June 2010}} This decision was made as part of the Tegucigalpa/San Jose Accord, and called on the International Community to respect the decision. Almost all congressmen from Zelaya's own political party as well as the opposition National Party voted against the reinstatement, and supported the victory of Porfirio Lobo Sosa as the new president of Honduras in the November 2009 elections.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091202/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=Honduran lawmakers debate ousted leader's future |date=2 December 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=2 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091205200631/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091202/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |archive-date=5 December 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Zelaya criticised the vote and urged governments not to restore ties with the incoming administration of Porfirio Lobo. "Today, the lawmakers at the service of the dominant classes ratified the coup d’état in Honduras," Zelaya said in a statement released shortly after the vote. "They have condemned Honduran to exist outside the rule of law.".{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091203/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |title=Honduran Congress votes against restoring Zelaya |date=3 December 2009 |publisher=AP via Yahoo News |access-date=3 December 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207015627/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091203/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_honduras_coup |archive-date=7 December 2009 |url-status=dead }}

On 4 December, Juan Barahona-led activists ended five months of daily protests demanding the reinstatement of Zelaya, saying they are moving on now that Congress has voted to keep Manuel Zelaya out of office. Juan Barahona, who had been leading protests since late June when Zelaya was forced out of the country, said that his supporters are "closing that chapter" of their struggle. Barahona said it's time for Hondurans who support policies in favour of the poor and other themes that Zelaya espoused to shift their focus to the 2013 elections.

On 20 January 2010, the Dominican Republic and President-elect Porfirio Lobo agreed to a deal that would allow Zelaya to be transported safely from the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa where he had been, to the Dominican Republic upon Lobo taking office on 27 January. Lobo stated that he would ensure Zelaya would leave safely and "with dignity".{{cite web|url=http://washingtontimes.com/news/2010/jan/21/dr-honduras-reach-deal-zelaya/?feat=home_headlines |title=D.R., Honduras reach deal on Zelaya |work=Washington Times |date=21 January 2010|access-date=30 August 2010}}{{cite news | url=http://in.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idINN2015924620100121 | work=Reuters | title=UPDATE 2-Zelaya says may leave Honduras at end of mandate | date=21 January 2010 | access-date=12 June 2010 | archive-date=31 December 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231232056/https://in.reuters.com/article/marketsNewsUS/idINN2015924620100121 | url-status=dead }}{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/21/world/americas/21honduras.html |title=Accord Reached to Let Honduran President Depart |first=Elisabeth |last=Malkin |work=The New York Times |date=20 January 2010 |access-date=14 June 2014}} Lobo negotiated with Dominican President Leonel Fernández. Lobo also discussed the situation with former presidential candidates who signed a statement on the agreement, as well as requesting that sanctions placed against Honduras as a result of the incident be lifted.{{cite web|url=http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90777/90852/6875371.html |title=Honduran president-elect promises to safeguard Zelaya to leave for Dominican Republic – People's Daily Online |work=People's Daily |access-date=30 August 2010}} The next day, Zelaya agreed to the deal, while a close advisor said he would remain politically active and hope to later return to political activity.{{cite news| url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60K58420100121 | work=Reuters | title=Zelaya to leave Honduras next week says adviser | date=21 January 2010| access-date=12 June 2010}}{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/22/world/americas/22briefs-Honduras.html | work=The New York Times | title=Honduras: Ousted President Agrees to Leave | first=Elisabeth | last=Malkin | date=22 January 2010| access-date=12 June 2010}}

In May 2011 a court in Honduras dropped all corruption charges against Zelaya, allowing him to return to Honduras.{{cite news|title=OAS lifts Honduras suspension after Zelaya agreement|work=BBC News|date=1 June 2011|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13622939| access-date=10 June 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110604170230/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-13622939| archive-date= 4 June 2011| url-status= live}} He did so on 28 May 2011 to a massive reception at Toncontin International Airport.Jesse Freeston. [http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=6854 "Massive Turnout for Zelaya Launches New Chapter of Honduran Struggle"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044205/http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=6854 |date=1 December 2017 }}. The Real News Network. 1 June 2011.[http://laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=395238&CategoryId=10718 "Zelaya Returns to Honduras Almost 2 Years After Ouster"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118152507/http://laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=395238&CategoryId=10718 |date=18 November 2016 }} Latin America Herald Tribune, 28 May 2011. On 1 June the OAS voted to re-admit Honduras into the OAS.

In 2015, a Supreme Court decision during the Juan Orlando Hernández administration invalidated Article 239 of the Constitution, allowing him to run for re-election in 2017 (and allowing all former presidents to run for the office again). Zelaya stated that he believed the court did not have a right to unilaterally terminate the Article, again calling for a referendum on the issue.{{Cite news |last=Bow |first=Juan Carlos |date=2015-04-24 |title=Honduras modifica su Constitución para permitir la reelección |url=https://elpais.com/internacional/2015/04/24/actualidad/1429839601_867027.html |access-date=2024-03-11 |work=El País |language=es |issn=1134-6582}}{{Cite web |title=The unconstitutionality of a constitutional reform: the case of Honduras |url=https://constitutionnet.org/news/unconstitutionality-constitutional-reform-case-honduras |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=ConstitutionNet |language=en}} The decision bypassed the entrenched nature of the Article as it was overturned by a court decision, rather than an attempted amendment. After her election, President Xiomara Castro stated that she wished to seek annulment of the order repealing Article 239.{{Cite web |date=2022-01-27 |title=Nueva presidenta de Honduras pedirá anular la reelección e integrará comisión, con ayuda de ONU, para investigar corrupción |url=https://historico.elsalvador.com/historico/921610/xiomara-castro-nueva-presidenta-honduras-pedira-anular-reeleccion-comision-combate-corrupcion.html |access-date=2024-03-11 |website=Noticias de El Salvador |language=es}}

{{Main|Public opinion on the 2009 Honduran coup d'état}}

{{Honduran post-coup polls}}

{{Main|International reaction to the 2009 Honduran coup d'état}}

No foreign government recognised Micheletti as president.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN1432774620090714?sp=true|title=WRAPUP 2-Give talks a chance, U.S. tells Honduras rivals |work=Reuters|date=14 July 2009|access-date=6 October 2009|first=John|last=McPhaul}} US President Barack Obama, along with leaders and officials of governments throughout the hemisphere and the rest of the world, condemned the removal of President Zelaya as undemocratic and called the action taken against him a coup d’état.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUKTRE55S5J220090629|title=Obama says coup in Honduras is illegal|first1=Arshad |last1=Mohammed |first2=David |last2=Alexander|date=29 June 2009|work=Reuters|access-date=30 June 2009}}{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/01/AR2009100105015.html|title=Kerry's Attempt to Block DeMint's Honduras Trip Reveals Policy Feud|date=2 October 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=2 October 2009}}{{cite web |url=http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/06/obama-says-coup-in-honduras-would-set-a-terrible-precedent-.html |title=Obama Says Coup in Honduras Would Set a "Terrible Precedent" |first=Sunlen |last=Miller |date=29 June 2009 |work=ABC News |access-date=30 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090802173405/http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/06/obama-says-coup-in-honduras-would-set-a-terrible-precedent-.html |archive-date=2 August 2009 |url-status=dead }} However, in the United States, the Congressional Research Service (a nonpartisan entity within the Library of Congress working on behalf of the United States Congress), after studying the relevant texts of Honduran law, determined that "The Supreme Court of Honduras has constitutional and statutory authority to ... request of the assistance of the public forces to enforce its rulings," and did not misapply its authority in this case: "Available sources indicate that the judicial and legislative branches applied constitutional and statutory law in the case against President Zelaya in a manner that was judged by the Honduran authorities from both branches of the government to be in accordance with the Honduran legal system."{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204518504574423570828980800 |title=Hillary's Honduras Obsession; The U.S. is trying to force the country to violate its constitution.|work=Wall Street Journal |date=21 September 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB125373506454635023 |title=Honduras's Interim Leaders Try to Regain Spotlight|work=Wall Street Journal |date=25 September 2009}}

Americas-based international organisations such as the Organization of American States, Mercosur, and the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas also condemned the events. Over ten Latin American countries, as well as all European Union countries, agreed to withdraw their ambassadors from Honduras until Zelaya is returned to power.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124628267418867961 |title=New Honduras Leader Faces Backlash From Coup|work=Wall Street Journal |date=30 June 2009|access-date=8 July 2009| first1=Paul | last1=Kiernan | first2=David | last2=Luhnow}}

• {{flagcountry|United Nations}}: A one-page resolution, passed by acclamation in the then 192-member body, condemned the removal of Zelaya as a coup and demanded his "immediate and unconditional restoration" as president.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/world/americas/01honduras.html?ref=world|title= U.N. Backs Ousted Honduran Leader|date=30 June 2009|work=The New York Times|access-date=30 June 2009| first=Marc | last=Lacey}} The resolution calls "firmly and categorically on all states to recognize no government other than that" of Zelaya.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8127503.stm|title= UN backs Honduras leader's return|date=30 June 2009|work=BBC News|access-date=30 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090701011920/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8127503.stm| archive-date= 1 July 2009| url-status= live}}
• {{flagcountry|OAS}}: The OAS called for an emergency meeting on Sunday,{{cite news|url=http://www.emol.com/noticias/internacional/detalle/detallenoticias.asp?idnoticia=364842|date=28 June 2009|access-date=28 June 2009|title=OEA convoca una reunión de urgencia para analizar Golpe de Estado en Honduras|language=es|work=El Mercurio|agency=EFE|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121709/http://www.emol.com/noticias/internacional/detalle/detallenoticias.asp?idnoticia=364842|url-status=dead}} where it approved a resolution demanding "the immediate, safe and unconditional return of the constitutional president, Manuel Zelaya".{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/8582484|title=Ousted president, replacement duel for Honduras|last=WEISSERT|first=Will|date=29 June 2009|work=The Guardian |location=London|access-date=5 July 2009}} Secretary General José Miguel Insulza called the situation "a military coup".{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2009/06/28/internacional/1246206021.html|title=La comunidad internacional pide que se restablezca el orden constitucional|date=28 June 2009|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|access-date=29 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090629205447/http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2009/06/28/internacional/1246206021.html| archive-date= 29 June 2009| url-status= live}} On 4 July 2009, the OAS carried out a prior ultimatum by unanimously suspending Honduras.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8134699.stm|title=Americas group suspends Honduras |date=5 July 2009|work=news.bbc.co.uk|publisher=BBC|access-date=6 July 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090705011648/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8134699.stm| archive-date= 5 July 2009| url-status= live}}
• {{flagcountry|United States}}: The United States Department of State condemned the ouster of Zelaya and continued to recognise him as the only constitutional president of Honduras.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE55R2AY20090628|title=U.S. says Zelaya is the only president of Honduras|date=28 June 2009|work=Reuters|access-date=28 June 2009| first=David | last=Morgan}}{{cite news|publisher=US State Department |url=https://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/06/125452.htm |title=Situation in Honduras |date=28 June 2009 |access-date=28 June 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715075153/http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/06/125452.htm |archive-date=15 July 2009 |url-status=dead }} Although US officials characterised the events as a coup, suspended joint military operations on 1 July,{{cite news|agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAkMGKIUDg_ngUiZboxQbYj5_DPwD995SKV80 |title=Honduras government's isolation grows after coup |last=Weissert |first=Will |date=1 July 2009 |access-date=1 July 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} suspended all non-emergency, non-immigrant visas,{{cite web|publisher=US State Department|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/aug/128349.htm|title=Temporary Suspension of Non-Immigrant Visa Services in Honduras|last=Kelly|first=Ian|date=25 August 2009|access-date=25 August 2009}}{{cite news|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/08/25/us/politics/politics-us-honduras-usa.html|title=U.S. To Reduce Visa Services in Honduras |date=25 August 2009|access-date=25 August 2009}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} and cut off certain non-humanitarian aid to Honduras,{{cite web|publisher=US State Department|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/july/125762.htm|title=U.S. Assistance to Honduras|date=7 July 2009|access-date=7 August 2009}}{{cite news|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE5744L120090805|title=U.S. appears to soften support for Honduras's Zelaya|last=Cromwell|first=Susan |date=5 August 2009|access-date=7 August 2009}} they have held back from formally designating Zelaya's ouster a "military coup", which would require them to cut off almost all aid to Honduras.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN29520049._CH_.2400|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805074029/http://www.reuters.com/article/homepageCrisis/idUSN29520049._CH_.2400|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 August 2009|title=U.S. holds off on cutting aid to Honduras|date=29 June 2009|work=Reuters|last=Mohammmed|first=Arshad|access-date=9 August 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/30/politics/washingtonpost/main5125109.shtml|title=U.S. Cautious on Calling Honduras a "Coup"|date=30 June 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post|last=Sheridan|first=Mary Beth|access-date=9 August 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090825212714/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/30/politics/washingtonpost/main5125109.shtml| archive-date= 25 August 2009| url-status= dead}}{{cite web|publisher=US State Department|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/july/125564.htm|title=Background Briefing on the Situation in Honduras|date=1 July 2009|access-date=8 August 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOgd5LGbunQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/JOgd5LGbunQ |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=US Response to Honduran Coup|website=YouTube|date= 3 April 2010|access-date=9 November 2012}}{{cbignore}} However, on 24 September, the Law Library of Congress issued a report stating that the Honduran Congress had constitutional power to remove Zelaya from office, but indicating that his expatriation was unconstitutional.{{cite web |url=https://www.loc.gov/law/help/honduras/constitutional-law-issues.php |title=Honduras: Constitutional Law Issues |first=Norma C. |last=Gutiérrez |date=24 September 2009|publisher=Law Library of Congress |access-date=11 January 2012}} On 29 October, LLOC refused to retract the report.{{cite web |url=http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/10/29/v-print/78045/library-of-congress-stands-by.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130128084925/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2009/10/29/v-print/78045/library-of-congress-stands-by.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 January 2013 |title=Library of Congress stands by report on Honduras coup |first=Lesley |last=Clark |date=29 October 2009|publisher=McClatchy Washington Bureau |access-date=11 January 2012}} The State Department warned the Micheletti government that it might not recognise the results of 29 November elections if Zelaya were not allowed to return to power first,{{cite news | title = Honduras Regime Uses Noise Attack as U.S. Cuts Visas | url = https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/10/21/world/international-uk-honduras.html | agency = Reuters | newspaper = The New York Times | date = 21 October 2009| access-date =30 October 2009}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} but ultimately recognised the elections at the last second, despite Zelaya not having been returned to power.[https://2009-2017.state.gov/p/wha/rls/rm/2009/132777.htm "Briefing on the Honduran Elections"] . U.S. Department of State. 30 November 2009.
• {{flagcountry|European Union}}: The European Union called on the Honduran military to release the president and "restore constitutional order". All EU ambassadors had left the country by 2 July.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/eu-ambassadors-leave-honduras-1.801893|title=EU ambassadors leave Honduras|date=2 July 2009|publisher=CBC |location=Canada |access-date=2 July 2009}}
• The World Bank: World Bank President Robert Zoellick stated that the World Bank had "paused" all lending for development programs to Honduras, said to be around US$80 million for the next fiscal year.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN30445897|title=World Bank 'pauses' loans to Honduras – Zoellick|date=30 June 2009|work=Reuters|access-date=1 July 2009| first=Lesley | last=Wroughton}}
• The nine members of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas announced in a joint statement that they would not recognise any new government in Honduras.[https://nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1741925 Chavez threatens military action over Honduras coup] {{dead link|date=August 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} by Frank Jack Daniel and Enrique Andres Pretel, Reuters (reprinted by the National Post), 28 June 2009.
• {{flagcountry|CARICOM}}: In a press release, CARICOM denounced the coup and voiced its concern over the treatment of Honduran and diplomatic officials during the coup. "The Caribbean Community condemns the military action which has interrupted the democratic process in Honduras and which contravenes the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The Community therefore calls for the immediate reinstatement of President Zelaya."{{cite news|url=http://www.acs-aec.org/PressCenter/NewsReleases/2009/http://www.caricom.org/jsp/pressreleases/pres254_09.jsp|title=Statement Issued by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the Situation in Honduras |publisher=CARICOM|date=30 June 2009|access-date=1 July 2009}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}
• The Association of Caribbean States condemned the coup in a statement and called for Zelaya's reinstatement. Additionally it stated, "we highlight our condemnation of the brutal treatment that Honduras military personnel gave to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Patricia Rodas as well as the Ambassadors of Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. This situation is a serious violation of International law, and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations."{{cite news|url=http://www.acs-aec.org/PressCenter/NewsReleases/2009/nr142009_en.htm |title=Declaration of the ACS on the situation in Honduras |publisher=Association of Caribbean States |date=28 June 2009 |access-date=29 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615232128/http://www.acs-aec.org/PressCenter/NewsReleases/2009/nr142009_en.htm |archive-date=15 June 2011 }}
• {{flagcountry|Mercosur}} and {{flagcountry|Paraguay}}: President of Paraguay and current president pro tempore of Mercosur Fernando Lugo condemned the coup and said that no member state of Mercosur will recognise a Honduran government that is not led by Manuel Zelaya. Lugo also called for those behind the coup to be punished by serving prison sentences.{{cite news|url=http://www.telecinco.es/informativos/internacional/noticia/979548/979548|title=Mercosur condena el golpe militar y exige la inmediata restitución de zelaya|publisher=Telecinco|language=es|date=29 June 2009|access-date=29 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630052932/http://www.telecinco.es/informativos/internacional/noticia/979548/979548|archive-date=30 June 2009|url-status=dead}}
• {{flagcountry|UNASUR}} and {{flagcountry|Chile}}: Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, speaking on behalf of her government and UNASUR, condemned the coup.{{cite web|url=http://www.emol.com/noticias/nacional/detalle/detallenoticias.asp?idnoticia=364879|title=Gobierno chileno condenó Golpe de Estado en Honduras|date=28 June 2009|publisher=El Mercurio Online|language=es|access-date=28 June 2009}}
• The Inter-American Development Bank (IADB): IADB President Luis Alberto Moreno stated that the IADB is pausing all new loans to Honduras until democracy is restored.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/bondsNews/idUSN0151377620090701|title=IADB says pausing loans to Honduras over coup|date=1 July 2009|work=Reuters|access-date=1 July 2009}}
• The Central American Bank for Economic Integration: Central America's development bank says it is provisionally freezing credits to Honduras.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gsIT2R-Ci3UL5yAitQ0dz3WYQ_GwD9AB09800 |title=Central American bank freezes Honduras loans |date=27 August 2009 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=27 August 2009 }}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Reactions of individual countries are dealt with in the International reaction to the 2009 Honduran coup d’état.

{{Portal|Honduras}}

• Elections in Honduras
• Executive branch of the government of Honduras
• Government of Honduras
• Legal history in Honduras
• Politics of Honduras

{{Reflist}}

• [http://pdba.georgetown.edu/Constitutions/Honduras/honduras.html Honduran Constitution] {{In lang|es}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090710220039/http://www.poderjudicial.gob.hn/NR/rdonlyres/87E2BFFC-AF4D-44EA-BFC5-D93730D8D81C/2413/ExpedienteJudicial1.pdf Supreme Court documentation of Zelaya prosecution] {{In lang|es}}
• [http://www.ffaah.mil.hn/Noticias/2009/juli/nota11.pdf Armed Forces of Honduras Timeline of events with many scanned documents]{{Dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} {{In lang|es}}

• [https://archive.today/20130127164215/http://www.laverdadenhonduras.com/index.php/imagenes Slideshows] by the Verdad en Honduras
• [http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-honduras4-2009jul04-pictures,0,4400339.photogallery?index=1 Unrest in Honduras] slideshow by the Los Angeles Times
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110216064251/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/gallery/2009/07/01/GA2009070101744.html "Honduran Military Launches Coup"] by The Wasthington Post
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090704081439/http://www.daylife.com/search/photos/1/grid?q=honduras+coup Honduras Coup Photos] from Daylife
• [http://www.cbsnews.com/elements/2009/06/29/in_depth_world/photoessay5122303.shtml "Military Coup in Honduras"]—Slideshow by CBS News
• [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/8123314.stm "In Pictures: Honduran President Ousted"] by BBC News
• [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/30/honduras-protests-against_n_223044.html "Honduras: Protests Against Presidential Coup"]—Slideshow by The Huffington Post

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maMA3PTYoZE "Democracy is Alive and Strong in Honduras"], giving a version of events alleged to have led to Zelaya's removal from office
• [http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=4259 The Real News Network report with video] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623011211/http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=4259 |date=23 June 2013 }}) featuring Zelaya stating: "The only position in Honduras that cannot be reelected is the president. But, reelection will be a topic of the coming National Constitutional Assembly." (subtitled, from 10:04–10:22)
• [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jul/22/zelaya-accused-of-cash-withdrawal/ Surveillance camera footage] showing how $2 million in cash was transported from the Central Bank of Honduras to the office of Zelaya's chief of staff
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O_0uJqoVtI Honduran Elections Exposed]—Investigative journalist Jesse Freeston reports from inside the Honduran Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) with proof that the TSE invented fake participation figures.

• [http://www.coha.org/21st-century-socialism-comes-to-the-banana-republic/ "21st Century Socialism Comes to the Honduran Banana Republic"], Council on Hemispheric Affairs, 25 May 2009
• [http://pulsemedia.org/2010/10/01/honduran-taliban-vows-to-protect-sharks/ "Honduran Taliban Vows to Protect Sharks"] by Jesse Freeston, Pulse Media, 1 October 2010.
• {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20091021225652/http://www.poder360.com/article_detail.php?id_article=2690 "Crisis in Honduras – What was really behind the removal of President Manuel Zelaya, and is he likely to be reinstated?"]}}, Poder magazine's October 2009 issue
• [http://hondurasweekly.com/editorial/1442-honduras-crisis "Mel fought the law, and the law won"]{{dead link|date=January 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}, a timeline of events by F. W. Blake on the Honduras Weekly
• [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/world/americas/30honduras.html "In a Coup in Honduras, Ghosts of Past U.S. Policies"] by Helene Cooper, The New York Times, 29 June 2009.
• [http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/448140/totalitarian_rightists_put_orwellian_spin_on_honduras_coup "Totalitarian Rightists Put Orwellian Spin on Honduras Coup"] by John Nichols, The Nation, 2 July 2009
• [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jul-10-oe-estrada10-story.html "Honduras' non-coup – Under the country's Constitution, the ouster of President Manuel Zelaya was legal"], Miguel A. Estrada, Miguel A. Estrada, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2009
• [https://www.forbes.com/2009/09/28/honduras-zelaya-insulza-opinions-contributors-william-ratliff.html "Understanding the Mess in Honduras"] by William Ratliff, Forbes, 28 September 2009
• [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/centralamericaandthecaribbean/honduras/5743512/In-Honduras-coup-the-truth-is-as-strange-as-any-banana-republic-fiction.html "In Honduras Coup, the Truth Is as Strange as Any 'Banana Republic' Fiction"] by Philip Sherwell, The Daily Telegraph, 5 July 2009
• [https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124744094880829815 "Why Honduras Sent Zelaya Away"] by Mary Anastasia O'Grady, The Wall Street Journal, 13 July 2009
• [http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090803/grandin "Waiting for Zelaya"] by Greg Grandin, The Nation, 28 July 2009
• [http://www.cepr.net/documents/publications/mcc-sanctions-2009-08.pdf "The Millennium Challenge Corporation and Economic Sanctions: A Comparison of Honduras With Other Countries"], Center for Economic and Policy Research, August 2009
• [http://blog.erlingsson.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Schock_CRS_Report_Honduras.pdf "HONDURAS: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW ISSUES"], US Congress, The Law Library of Congress, Directorate of Legal Research for Foreign, Comparative, and International Law, August 2009
• [http://www.derechos.org/nizkor/honduras/golpe/ "Golpe de Estado contra el Presidente Zelaya. Consecuencias de la impunidad en Honduras"], Derechos Human Rights

{{2009 Honduran constitutional crisis}}

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Honduran Constitutional Crisis

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Honduras

2009 Constitutional Crisis