The campesinos have taken over the Copán Ruins in protest against the government. The government has given the campesinos land to live on, in a shared fashion. There are about 30 people per block of land (a large piece of land). The problem is that the ownership of the land is in the name of all 30 people, not individual blocks per family. The campesinos would like to have the land in their own name so they can sell it if they want. From the other side though, one of the reasons for putting the land in the name of all 30 people is so they cant sell it. Unfortunately, what happens too often is if a family is given land under they own name, they sell it, use the money to buy some things (unfortunately, usually alcohol), then squat on someone else’s land. They build a little home out of sticks and mud on the land they dont own. The owners of the land cant do anything about it, and eventually the government buys the land from the owner and gives it to the squatters.
The reason for taking over the Ruins (they have blocked all entrances and are protecting them with machetes) is that its the main tourist attraction for this area, and a big deal for the government. In the past, if the government doesnt take notice of them taking over the Ruins, the campesinos have bought in old tyres, piled them up in the middle of the road so cars cant pass and set fire to them.
Im told to expect a helicopter to arrive at some point today with either a representative of the president, or the president himself. Probably to give them what they want.