(RSF/IFEX) – On 30 September 2002, RSF condemned the atmosphere of lawlessness in Haiti that has led two radio stations to go off the air in recent days after threats to their staff. A journalist from a third station was physically attacked. “Unless these threats are thoroughly investigated and those responsible punished, any official statement […]
(RSF/IFEX) – On 30 September 2002, RSF condemned the atmosphere of lawlessness in Haiti that has led two radio stations to go off the air in recent days after threats to their staff. A journalist from a third station was physically attacked.
“Unless these threats are thoroughly investigated and those responsible punished, any official statement seeking to reassure the media will be an empty gesture, especially in a country where impunity reigns for government supporters who threaten, attack and kill journalists,” said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard in a letter to President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Ménard rejected a statement by Aristide according to which “alleged attacks on the media [are] the biggest threat to press freedom,” and called his remarks “an incitement to attack journalists” at a time when people are looking to him to curb the excesses of his supporters.
Radio Kiskeya, a privately-owned Port-au-Prince station, stopped broadcasting on 26 September and staff evacuated their offices after being told of a plot to burn down the building that same evening. The station also received several threatening phone calls and faxes. Reuters news agency reported that the threats came after the station’s coverage of the arrest of the head of an organisation defending the rights of thousands of people who recently lost money in a collapsed pyramid scam based on traditional cooperatives. The station resumed broadcasting the next day.
Also on 26 September, another Port-au-Prince radio station, Caraïbes FM, decided to stop broadcasting news for several hours in protest against threats it had received, apparently from pro-government organisations.
The next day, Roger Damas, of Radio Ibo, was attacked by three strangers when he arrived at the radio station. He said the individuals also threatened to burn down the station.
Communications Minister Mario Dupuy immediately called the threats “unacceptable” and said the government would “not tolerate them.” Meanwhile, President Aristide was quoted by the Haitian News Agency (AHP) as condemning people who he said used “bogus” attacks on the press to “make it look as if the media is gagged” in Haiti. He reiterated his government’s commitment to press freedom.
RSF has often denounced the impunity enjoyed by those persons, mostly government supporters, who threaten, attack and kill journalists who criticise the Haitian government.
