In Haiti, armed violence continues to rise and the media are in the crosshairs of gangs. Recently, a new television station was attacked last weekend amid this wave of violence that seems unending. In this context, two deceased soldiers were buried in Port-au-Prince, marking another tragic episode amid the insecurity plaguing the country.
During the funerals of soldiers Elidson and Edwing Trazil, a tragic incident occurred when a young man participating in the funeral was shot in the head. These two members of the Armed Forces lost their lives at the hands of a coalition of gangs led by Jimmy Chérizier, also known as 'Barbecue', highlighting the serious situation of violence present in Haiti.
Violence in the Caribbean country manifests through murders, rapes, and indiscriminate attacks, even affecting the media. In a short span of time, three media outlets have been targeted in such attacks, evidencing the vulnerability they face.
The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) has condemned in a statement the recent attacks on the media and expressed its concern over the lack of action by the transitional authorities in Haiti in the face of this alarming situation. The organization highlights that at least four media have been victims of vandal attacks in a year, with tragic consequences including the deaths and injuries of journalists, as well as kidnappings.
The RNDDH urges authorities to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of the population and restore order in the country. The situation in Haiti is critical, with armed groups causing thousands of deaths, injuries, and kidnappings, according to data verified by the UN. The population is engulfed in fear and insecurity due to the activities of these violent gangs.
