Despite not being at war and reporting a decrease in crime rates, Honduras remains one of the most violent countries in Central America and the region, according to Migdonia Ayestas, director of the Violence Observatory at the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH).

“Even with all the reductions in crime, we still average six victims per day, and on average one of them is a woman,” Ayestas told EFE in Tegucigalpa. “This shows that, despite not being in a war, Honduras continues to rank among the most violent countries in Central America and across the continent.”

According to Ayestas, violence and crime have dropped more than 40 percentage points, but this improvement mainly reflects homicide rates — the international standard for measuring insecurity. Other forms of violence, however, remain alarming, especially sexual violence, which affects an estimated 88% of women nationwide.

The situation is particularly concerning for women. So far in 2025, 162 women have been killed violently, highlighting that homicides are only part of the problem. Many attacks occur within homes or community spaces — places that should be safe.

Among girls aged 10 to 14, the risk of experiencing violence is especially high. Ayestas also emphasized that firearms are the main weapons used in injuries and deaths, with many believed to be illegally trafficked.

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Furthermore, beyond gender-based violence, many Honduran families continue to suffer from extortion and common crime, adding further strain to daily life in one of the region’s most dangerous environments.

El Salvador’s tourism industry continues to gain international recognition, this time featured in a comprehensive article by the Spanish newspaper El País. In its travel section, El Viajero, the outlet published an extensive report titled “Everything Hidden in El Salvador: From Hosting the Pompeii of the Americas to Becoming the New Surf Paradise”, highlighting the country’s top attractions and its growing reputation as an emerging destination in Central America.

According to the report, El Salvador offers “three undeniable reasons to attract travelers: its volcanoes, Mayan archaeological sites, and exceptional beaches — not to mention its cuisine and wildlife.” The Spanish publication emphasizes that, despite being the smallest country in the region, El Salvador has stood out in recent years as an alternative to overcrowded destinations, attracting celebrities and international tourists seeking a quieter, more exclusive escape with perfect waves.

El País also notes that, after “a period of instability, the country is now safe, its roads are in excellent condition (even better than in neighboring countries), and visitors can enjoy its natural landscapes, wild beaches, volcanic scenery, hot springs, Mayan ruins, and even one of the best coffees in the Americas.” One of the country’s biggest advantages, the article adds, is its compact size, allowing travelers to explore mountains, beaches, and the capital all in a single day.

The report dedicates significant space to San Salvador, describing the capital as “a showcase of Salvadoran culture, identity, and diversity.” It highlights the National Museum of Anthropology (MUNA), the Museum of Modern Art (MARTE), and the National Library (BINAES), calling the latter “a cultural landmark and symbol of technological innovation” thanks to its virtual reality spaces, robotics labs, and 5G connectivity.

Gastronomy also plays a central role in the feature. El País praises the country’s iconic pupusas, while also mentioning yuca with chicharrón, elote tamales, and horchata. It recommends visiting the famous “Pupusódromo of Olocuilta”and several high-end restaurants in San Salvador, such as Nau and Faisca do Brazil, as well as the diverse dining options along El Hipódromo Avenue.

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Finally, the article showcases some of El Salvador’s natural and cultural gems, including San Salvador Volcano, Lake Coatepeque, and the archaeological sites of Joya de Cerén — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — along with Tazumaland San Andrés. It also highlights Ruta de las Flores and Suchitoto, praised for their colonial charm and vibrant cultural offerings.

Officials from the Public Ministry (Prosecutor’s Office) of Honduras, in coordination with the Military Police of Public Order and other institutions, arrested at least nine people on Friday, including a brother of former President Juan Orlando Hernández, for alleged corruption.

According to a statement from the Prosecutor’s Office, seven raids were carried out in the departments of Francisco Morazán and Comayagua in central Honduras, targeting a network composed of executives, employees, and private law firms that allegedly misappropriated large sums of money from the Cooperativa Mixta de Mujeres Unidas Limitada (COMIXMUL) several years ago.

The Prosecutor’s Office added that sources had “presented a third line of investigation showing the misappropriation of cooperative funds through the signing of fake professional service contracts, supposedly on behalf of the cooperative, amounting to over 47 million lempiras ($1.7 million).”

The arrested include Amílcar Hernández, the brother of former President Hernández, along with eight others, out of 22 individuals implicated in the case, including executives of the cooperative. The former president is currently serving a 45-year prison sentence in the United States for drug trafficking.

According to the complaint, Amílcar Hernández, a lawyer, along with other legal professionals, provided professional services that resulted in fraudulent actions, in collusion with cooperative executives and employees.

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The Prosecutor’s Office stated that it had identified a serious misappropriation of more than 37 million lempiras ($1.4 million) by private law firms, and that this irregular scheme has caused millions in losses for COMIXMUL since 2015.

Friday’s operation also included the seizure of three condominiums, two companies, and two vehicles, following charges for money laundering and aggravated continued embezzlement, among other offenses, against the twenty people linked to the case.

Previously, in March 2017, the Prosecutor’s Office arrested six former cooperative executives, who were later convicted of money laundering and financial crimes, and seized 51 properties, movable assets, and four companiesacross Tegucigalpa, Siguatepeque, Choluteca, and Valle.

Amílcar Hernández and the other detainees were presented before a judge in Tegucigalpa, with the hearing continuing on Saturday, according to a Prosecutor’s Office source.

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