#3063: AI on the latest violence in Haiti (fwd)

[Robert Corbett <bcorbett@netcom.com>]

From: Max Blanchet <MaxBlanchet@worldnet.att.net>

News Service: 060/00
AI INDEX: AMR 36/04/00

30 March 2000

NEWS FLASH
HAITI -- POLITICAL VIOLENCE

Amnesty International is concerned about reports of
politically-motivated violent street demonstrations by
individuals said to be calling for, among other demands, the
resignation of the Provisional Electoral Council in Haiti. At
least six people are reported to have been killed, and more
injured.

Members of an opposition party reported that they were
attacked by a group of armed men as they handed out
pamphlets in Port-au-Prince on 29 March.  On 28 March,
outside the capital, a candidate from another opposition
party and his wife were reportedly shot dead by unidentified
assailants in what their party leaders claimed were political
killings. On 27 March demonstrators, some of whom
claimed ties to the Fanmi Lavalas party, set fire to tyres at
barricades around Port-au-Prince. The central market was
burnt and four people were reportedly killed.

Amnesty International reminds the Haitian government of its
obligations under domestic and international law to ensure
safety for its citizens.  The organization is concerned about
reports of insufficient response by police during the
disturbances. It calls on the Haitian National Police to carry
out its duty to safeguard public security in a professional and
impartial manner.

The organization urges leaders of political parties to ensure
that they and their partisans refrain from using violence in
pursuing their political objectives, so that the electoral
process currently underway can proceed in an open,
transparent and peaceful manner.

ENDS.../