Haiti: Killings Can and Must Be Stopped

Jan 8, 2004 | English, Human Rights, Violence

Amnesty International


Amnesty International
PRESS RELEASE
http://web.amnesty.org/library/print/ENGAMR36001200
AI Index: AMR 36/001/2004 (Public)
News Service No: 005
8 January 2004


Only strong and unified action can break the cycle of political violence currently gripping Haiti, said Amnesty International as two people died and 30 others were injured in Port-au-Prince yesterday during confrontations between opposition party demonstrators, government supporters trying to block their march and police.

“Political leaders must immediately address their supporters and demand they stop committing abuses,” Amnesty International said. “In addition, police must fulfil their duty to respect and protect the right to peaceful protest.”

According to reports, the dead included a supporter of Haitian president Jean Bertrand Aristide’s Fanmi Lavalas party who was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire with the police, and Maxime Desulmant, an opposition demonstrator who was killed by gunfire from Aristide supporters.

Only one week on from the 200th anniversary of Haiti as a sovereign state, last year’s growing political violence continues. In the run-up to the 1 January Bicentennial, Amnesty International had issued a plan of action calling on the authorities to guarantee that no human rights violations would be tolerated during the celebrations and urging political parties to control their supporters.

Opposition leaders have called for several days of strikes in the wake of yesterday’s demonstration, during which journalists and radio stations were also said to have come under attack.

“Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the nearly incessant clashes between pro-and anti-government activists in Haiti, in which several people have lost their lives already this year. We are fearful of the human rights impact of this spiral of violence, and ask the authorities, with the cooperation of political parties, to immediately bring those responsible to justice,” the organization concluded.


 

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