Deadly violence breaks out during protests against election result in Honduras

Security forces use tear gas against rock-throwing demonstrators

(AFP/Getty Images)

At least one person has died after violence broke out during protests in Honduras against President Juan Orlando Hernandez’s re-election.

Security forces used tear gas against rock-throwing supporters of the centre-left defeated candidate Salvador Nasralla and tried to clear impromptu roadblocks of burning tires, according to police sources.

A local NGO said a 60-year-old man died and another person was wounded when military police opened fire on protesters blocking a road in the town of Saba, 210 km (130 miles) northeast of the capital, Tegucigalpa.

A security ministry spokesman told local media that the incident was being investigated. Twelve people had been arrested across the country, he said, adding that three police officers and a soldier were injured in the protests.

Last month Mr Hernandez was declared President despite protests on the street about the results.

Critics have expressed their concern over the electoral tribunal that counted the ballots.

It was appointed by Congress which is controlled by Mr Hernandez’s party.

Initially, the vote tally had clearly favoured Mr Nasralla but it swung in favour of the incumbent after a 36-hour delay.

Protests have been a regular occurrence since the election result and Human rights group Amnesty International has said so far 14 people have died in the clashes, but police claim the figure is only three, according to the BBC.

Agencies contributed to this report