The International Press Institute (IPI) on Wednesday called on the de facto Honduran government to repeal an emergency decree suspending media freedom and some civil liberties.

A day after the decree limiting constitutional rights was issued on Sunday, troops closed down Radio Globo and a television station that backed Honduran President Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted in a coup three months ago.

The 45-day decree, which allows for arrest without warrants, gives authorities the power to suspend any broadcasts perceived as inciting insurrection, among other restrictions.

“We urge the de facto Honduran government to immediately repeal this emergency decree and reopen the media outlets it has shuttered,” said IPI Press and Communications Manager Anthony Mills. “Any decree that suspends certain civil liberties is worrying. We are particularly concerned at the limitations this decree places on media freedom. Especially in times of crisis, the media should be allowed to operate free of any pressure.”

According to local news reports, on Monday, around 5.20 am local time, some twenty riot police and soldiers seized the premises of Radio Globo and suspended broadcasts. Officials also confiscated the broadcasters’ equipment.

In the evening of the same day, Radio Globo resumed broadcasting via the Internet. Radio Globo Director David Romero claimed a large online audience but admitted that the station could not maintain its traditional reach, Reuters reported.

The offices of Channel 36, reportedly run by a close associate of ousted President Zelaya, were also stormed by the military before down on Monday. Broadcasting was immediately interrupted.

After coming under broad international pressure, Honduras de facto leader, Roberto Micheletti, announced on Monday he may lift the decree. However, he was reported by CNN as saying that the repeal of the law would not be immediate, but pending a legal review.

A statement about recent developments in the country posted on the Website of the Embassy of Honduras in Washington DC said:  “The Embassy of Honduras in Washington DC strongly condemns the use of violence and intimidation by military and police forces.”