FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Merrie Archer, 212-337-0005, x18

Haitian Coalition Expresses Grave Concern Over Recent Violence in Haiti

NEW YORK, December 19, 2001   -- The National Coalition for Haitian Rights (NCHR) is deeply distressed by the armed attacks on the National Penitentiary and the National Palace perpetrated on Monday morning, December 17, 2001, in Port-au-Prince and by the unrestrained violence that ensued throughout Haiti’s capital and provincial cities against members of the opposition, journalists and others.

“This armed attack by unidentified gunmen and subsequent violence are the most recent signs of Haiti’s descent into an increasingly vicious cycle of political recriminations amid a severe socio-economic downturn and weak governmental leadership,” said Jocelyn McCalla, NCHR’s Executive Director. Awakened to news of a coup d’etat attempt in progress, government supporters set up flaming tire barricades in the capital, stormed the homes of leaders of the Democratic Convergence, destroyed their offices and forced many into hiding with their families. Several Haitian reporters were threatened and intimidated by the mobs. Some radio stations, accused of broadcasting news that was critical of the government shut down or simply aired music throughout the day.

While Aristide supporters have been quick to blame the opposition for the attacks, a serious investigation has yet to establish responsibility. A former police chief now in exile abroad quickly denied any involvement. Leaders of the Convergence have publicly accused the government itself of staging a coup as a pretext to wipe out the opposition. An earlier attack against the National Penitentiary, not known to be of any strategic value, has further confounded the public.

“We welcome President Aristide’s call for peace and a halt to the violence that threatens to throw Haiti into a much more chaotic situation. We urge the government to go further in taking concrete measures to fulfill its obligation to protect the lives of democratic opponents and guarantee the freedom of all Haitians to peacefully express themselves for or against government policy without fear of reprisals, arrests or assassination,” added McCalla. “Democracy is strengthened neither by coups d’etat nor by suppression of dissent.”

The absence of a strong political infrastructure in Haiti threatens to create a vacuum that will allow new and perhaps less tolerant forces to emerge and exploit the existing chaos. Now is the time for the government to take bold steps to safeguard Haiti’s fledgling democracy. These include:

1. Fulfilling its obligation to protect fundamental civil and political rights, including the right to dissent peacefully with its policies and programs, advocate for changes in policy, demand greater openness and public accountability, and exercise freedom of speech and association without fear of reprisal. 

2. Energetically condemning the loss of life and property by mobs claiming to act on its behalf. 

3. Working earnestly to reach a political compromise that ensures the growth of law-abiding institutions, a functioning parliament, and an infrastructure capable of attracting and supporting the talents and resources necessary to lift Haiti out of this crisis.