Haiti’s Presidential Council expands defamation laws as end of political immunity looms
CPJ reports that Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council has broadened defamation legislation at a moment when political immunity is nearing expiration, raising serious concerns about increased legal pressure on journalists and constraints on freedom of expression amid ongoing insecurity.
“Disguised dictatorship”: A fight for government transparency amid Haiti’s insecurity
CPJ analyzes how violent insecurity and opaque governance practices in Haiti are undermining journalists’ ability to report, while a lack of government transparency and hostility toward media outlets leave journalists exposed and information scarce.
Haitian gang leader calls for “Radio TV Caraibes” journalist’s assassination
In a widely disseminated social media video, gang leader Jimmy ‘Barbecue’ Cherizier appeared to offer a $50,000 reward for the life of journalist Ronald Desormes life as he expressed general frustrations over the independent outlet’s coverage
Latest attack on an independent Haitian radio station marks 5th in 6 months
The station was often critical of the gang violence that has ravaged the capital, “which made us a nuisance to them.”
CPJ calls on Haitian authorities to ensure media leader’s protection after threats
Guy Delva told CPJ that he has been threatened at least two times in the street by unidentified men, and he believes the police intend to arrest him after he was told that the Haitian government complained about his advocacy work.
Haiti: RSF condemns arson attack on “Radio Télévision Caraïbes” and calls for urgent measures to protect the press
This latest attack on the Haitian press is a stark reminder of the growing insecurity faced by journalists and media outlets in a country where armed gangs are tightening their grip and targeting independent news outlets.
IAPA condemns the murder of two journalists in Haiti
Journalists Markenzy Nathoux from Boston Caribbean Network and radio Lavi FM, and Jimmy Jean from Moun Afè Bon TV were killed in the attack.
Haitian press face “existential crisis” with no end to gang violence
The crisis facing media outlets in Haiti is the result of attacks by gangs on journalists and their offices, as well as the economic impact of widespread insecurity.
CPJ’s Global Impunity Index shows Haiti and Israel as the biggest offenders
More than a decade after the UN declared an International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, and more than 30 years after CPJ began documenting these killings, nearly 80% remain unsolved.
Violence and insecurity, the main obstacle for the press in Haiti
In September 2022, Frantzsen Charles, Tayson Lartigue, and five other journalists were covering clashes between rival gangs in the Cité Soleil neighborhood of Port-au-Prince when they were attacked. IAPA has called for justice in their case.
‘Powerful enemies’: Did a prosecutor order the murder of Haitian journalist Garry Tesse?
The investigation into the death of radio journalist Garry Tesse has languished, leading his family and friends to accuse the government of a cover-up to protect the man who is in charge of prosecuting the crime.
At least 5 journalists injured during anti-government protests in Haiti
Tensions had been rising in Haiti ahead of February 7, the day that new presidents are traditionally sworn in. Elections that Henry promised would take place in 2023 were not held. Haiti has not had a president since Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021.
Haitian press leaves behind a less deadly year, but remains in grave danger
In 2023, the Haitian press was a victim of crimes, kidnappings, and multiple threats.
In Haiti, murders of journalists go unpunished amid instability and gang violence
Journalist Roderson Elias: “We are on our own, helpless against the gangs”