From Associated Press:
Killing of Honduran Teenager Could Jeopardize U.S. Aid
Published: November 15, 2012
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — American officials are demanding answers after learning that soldiers trained, vetted and equipped by the United States government chased down and killed a teenager in Honduras, where the United States is already withholding tens of millions of dollars in aid for the police and military over concerns about human rights violations.
The teenager, Ebed Yanes, 15, was killed on May 26 after driving through a military checkpoint. His father, Wilfredo Yanes, tracked down the soldiers and uncovered what was said to be a high-level attempt to hide evidence. His quest also led to new information reported this week that the unit in question was supported by the United States. …
The United States had vetted the unit and then provided it with a Ford truck that was used to chase the teenager from the checkpoint. Under United States law, all foreign units that receive military or police assistance are vetted before receiving any equipment or training.
This year, the United States began withholding aid from Honduras after reports asserted that a newly appointed national police chief had ties to death squads. United States law prohibits assistance to foreign military units that violate human rights with impunity.
The death of the teenager, officials said, is not a new trigger for withholding aid, but instead yet another episode raising concerns in the American government about support for the current Honduran police and military. Other issues include the killings of human rights activists, journalists and lawyers.
This week, a State Department official speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter said the withholding might reach $50 million.
That amounts to about half of all American aid to Honduras for 2012, including humanitarian assistance.
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