The situation in Haiti is becoming increasingly critical as anti-government protests are increasingly repressed across the country, endangering the lives of citizens and journalists covering these events. Last week, four media workers were seriously injured, some by gunfire, during protests across the country.
The most recent incident occurred in Delmas, where young journalist Jean Jean Marc was the victim of shocking violence while attempting to cover a protest. A member of the Departmental Law Enforcement Unit (UDMO) fired a tear gas canister directly into his face, seriously injuring him. The brutality of this attack sparked outrage both nationally and internationally.
In a poignant statement to Premye Okazyon, Jean Jean Marc's mother pointed the finger at former Prime Minister Ariel Henry as the primary culprit behind these acts of police violence. She called for national and international solidarity to support her son during this ordeal and to strongly condemn such acts of repression.
However, the attack on Jean Jean Marc is unfortunately not an isolated incident. Three other journalists, Lemy Brutus, Stanley Belford, and Wilborde Ymozan, were shot and injured during the protests in Jérémie, Grand'Anse, on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. These media professionals, like Jean Jean Marc, were simply doing their job by covering the rallies demanding the Prime Minister's resignation.
These attacks on journalists raise serious concerns about the safety and freedom of the press in Haiti. The media must be able to report events impartially and without fear of reprisal. Haitian authorities must take immediate steps to guarantee the safety of journalists and to investigate these acts of violence to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In conclusion, the growing violence against journalists in Haiti is an affront to press freedom and democracy. It is imperative that the international community continue to monitor the situation closely and support efforts to ensure the safety of journalists and promote freedom of expression in Haiti.
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