Prominent Honduran environmentalist and indigenous activist Berta Caceres was shot dead by unknown assailants early Thursday morning in her home in Honduras, according to dpa. Caceres spent years advocated for the rights of the indigenous Lenca people and fought the construction of a major dam project near their settlements. Within the last week Caceres had warned that four of her colleagues had been killed and others threatened. "We strongly condemn this despicable crime," James Nealon, US ambassador to Honduras, said in a statement. "The United States of America calls for a prompt and thorough investigation into this crime and for the full force of the law to be brought to bear against those found responsible." The environmental community also mourned Caceres' death.
