=?x-unknown?q?13805=3A__RSF_Americas__Ha=EFti_=3A_A_radio?==?x-unknown?q?_station_set_on_fire_and_nine__journalistes?==?x-unknown?q?_threatened_in_the_north_=28fwd=29?=

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: RSF Americas <ameriques@rsf.org>

Press freedom
26 November 2002

HAITI
A radio station set on fire and nine journalistes threatened in the north

Reporters Without Borders today voiced deep concern about the attacks against
the press in recent days in Haiti, especially in the north of the country,
where a radio station was partially torched and nine journalists were
threatened. The organisation called on President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to
condemn these acts of intimidation and attacks, for which his supporters have
been held responsible.

"We urge you to give your supporters clear instructions to stop attacking the
news media," Reporters Without Borders secretary-general Robert Ménard said in
an appeal to the Haitian president. He also reiterated an earlier appeal to
President Aristide to put an end to impunity by giving orders for
investigations that result in the punishment of those responsible for attacks
and threats against journalists.

The premises of Radio Etincelle in Gonaïves (100 kms north-west of
Port-au-Prince) and its equipment were partially damaged by a fire on the
evening of 24 November, apparently started by Molotov cocktails thrown by
unidentified assailants. Several days earlier, after covering an opposition
demonstration, Radio Etincelle director Esdras Mondélus received death threats
by telephone from members of popular organisations close to the ruling Lavalas
Family party, as a result of which he suspended programming on 21 and 22
November.

In separate circumstances in Gonaïves, members of popular organisations made
death threats against Mondélus and six other journalists including Radio
Métropole correspondent Jean Robert François, Radio Kiskeya correspondent
Fleurimont Henry and Radio Ibo correspondent Frantz Rénel Lebrun. The seven
journalists were forced to go into hiding.

Several days earlier in Cap Haïtien (150 kms north of Port-au-Prince), Radio
Maxima journalists Péguy Jean et Joël Joseph were attacked by popular
organisation members who avowed support for the Lavalas government and
criticised Radio Maxima's coverage of an opposition protest that took place in
Cap Haïtien on 17 November.

According to journalists present at this demonstration in Cap Haïtien (Haiti's
second largest city), more than 20,000 people took part, calling for the
departure of President Aristide. A separate, pro-government demonstration was
held in Cap Haïtien the same day. Haiti has been tense ever since. Further
anti-government protests have taken place in other provincial cities, followed
by pro-government demonstrations in Port-au-Prince. According to the Associated
Press, six persons were hit by gunfire during pro-government and opposition
demonstrations on 25 November in Port-au-Prince and Gonaïves.

 --
Régis Bourgeat
Despacho Américas / Americas desk
Reporters sans frontières
5, rue Geoffroy-Marie
75009 Paris - France

tél. : +33 (0) 1 44 83 84 68
fax : +33 (0) 1 45 23 11 51
e-mail : ameriques@rsf.org
      / americas@rsf.org