Alleged Mastermind Convicted In The Killing Of Environmental Activist Berta Cáceres

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Roberto David Castillo is escorted by penitentiary police to hear the verdict in his trial connected to accusations that he is one of the intellectual authors responsible for the murder of environmentalist and Indigenous rights activist Berta Caceres, in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, July 5, 2021.





Elmer Martinez/AP



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Elmer Martinez/AP



The Two-Way
Berta Cáceres, Honduran Indigenous Rights Leader, Is Murdered

In December 2019, seven men were sentenced to prison for Cáceres’ murder. Four men were sentenced to 34 years for the murder and 16 years for attempted murder. Three others received sentences of 30 years for their roles.

At the time, prosecutors said the killers acted on behalf of a company, Desa, that was building a dam being opposed by the activist. Castillo Mejía, who heads the project, was arrested in 2018.

Castillo Mejía allegedly paid the hitmen, gave logistical support and provided resources to those already convicted, according to prosecutors.



Latin America
7 Convicted In Assassination Of Honduran Environmental Activist

Cáceres was a co-founder of the National Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras. She helped organize opposition to the Agua Zarca dam project, which was to be built on the Galcarque River. The river holds spiritual importance for the Lenca people as well as being a critical source of water. The dam project remains frozen.

Cáceres won the prestigious Goldman Prize for her environmental activism in 2015. She was slain at her home in La Esperanza on March 3, 2016. A Mexican activist who was there with her also was shot, but survived.