Generals cleared of coup charges in Honduras

Honduras’ Supreme Court has cleared six army generals accused of toppling former president Manuel Zelaya and flying him to Costa Rica in 2009.

The Supreme Court voted 12-3 to reject abuse of authority charges against now-retired Generals Romeo Vasquez, Luis Prince, Venancio Cervantes, Miguel Garcia, Juan Pablo Rodriguez and Carlos Cuellar.

The court said in a news release that all six have been released from detention.

Soldiers escorted the left-leaning Mr Zelaya out of Honduras in June 2009 after he defied a Supreme Court order to drop plans to hold a referendum on reforming the constitution.

Mr Zelaya said the court decision is “unjust” but expected.

He said: “It’s bothersome that those behind the coup are being protected.”