Julieta Castellanos criticizes Honduran justice and electoral reforms

Sociologist and former rector of the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), Julieta Castellanos, has criticized the Honduran justice system, describing it as “selective” and plagued by decades of impunity. Castellanos stated that over the last fifty years, high-impact cases involving corruption, economic crimes, money laundering, and illicit enrichment have frequently gone unpunished. She suggested that judicial responses often depend on the individuals involved and that justice has historically been a matter of agreement among those in power, regardless of political party or military regime.

Castellanos further noted that while social pressure sometimes prompts investigations, the resulting judicial decisions are often “fragile.” She also criticized certain aspects of the Penal Code, specifically provisions for individuals over 60, which she characterized as legislation with a “dedication” to benefiting specific bankers, politicians, and officials.

Regarding political reforms, Castellanos warned against “cosmetic” electoral changes that fail to address deep-seated issues. She highlighted proposals being presented to the National Congress aimed at preventing future electoral crises, including the random selection of polling station officials, gender parity in Congress, and the implementation of a second round of voting.