Honduran dam protesters face trial in ongoing crackdown against defenders

The 'Jilamito Five' are the latest to be caught up in battles over land and natural resources, that have seen more than 130 defenders killed since 2009

The suspects pray together on a concrete podium opposite the courthouse where they face criminal charges. Their alleged misdemeanour: "land invasion" during a protest against the construction of a dam. A guilty verdict could bring a jail term of up to four years.

If that seems harsh, then it's because this is Honduras, where hundreds have been jailed and scores killed for environmental activism over the past decade. The accused - a teacher, hardware-store owner, farmers and the newly elected municipal mayor - are opposed to a dam on the Jilamito river in the tropical region of Atlintida. The authorities are hoping a prosecution will enable them to clear a makeshift community blockade in the remote hilly pastures so construction can begin.