Melvin Cevallos released on substitute measures in Honduras electoral case

Melvin Orlando Cevallos Umanzor, a leader within the Libertad y Refundación (Libre) party, was released on substitute measures following his arrest by the Technical Criminal Investigation Agency (ATIC) in Tegucigalpa. Cevallos faces charges of electoral coercion and threats related to protests held on July 7, 2025, which allegedly obstructed the process for contracting the Preliminary Electoral Results Transmission System (TREP) for the upcoming 2025 general elections.

A judge ordered that Cevallos remain free under conditions including a prohibition on leaving the country and a requirement to report periodically to judicial authorities. His legal defense includes former presidential candidate Rixi Moncada. An initial hearing is scheduled for September 28.

The Libre party's legislative bloc has condemned the arrest, labeling it political persecution. They have criticized the Honduran justice system, alleging a double standard by comparing Cevallos's detention to the recent release or acquittal of other high-profile figures involved in corruption cases.