21755: Esser: 300 to 500 bodies found in the streets of Port-au-Prince in February and March (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: D. Esser torx@joimail.com

Agence Haïtienne de Presse

May 3, 2004

300 to 500 bodies found in the streets of Port-au-Prince in February
and March

Port-au-Prince, May 3, 2004 -(AHP)- The Justice and Peace National
Commission said Monday it had counted more than 300 bodies in the
streets of Port-au-prince during the months of February and March.

In a report published this week, this number could go as high as 500.
Most of the victims were shot to death, especially during the
political troubles that followed Jean Bertrand Aristide's departure.

The Justice and Peace official, Father Jean Hansens, told the current
authorities of this situation which shows the high level of
criminality in the country.

He thinks most of the street murders were politics-related.

Father Hansens said he was extremely preoccupied with this situation.
He asks the interim authorities to act quickly to stop the violence
in the country.