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27472: Hermantin(News)Arrests haven't stopped (fwd)






lhermantin@hotmail.com

Haiti




South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board

February 4, 2006



ISSUE: Arrests haven't stopped

attacks in Haiti.

Haitians face a critical election next week. Unfortunately, the voting will take place in an inhospitable climate of violence and fear.

The interim government led by Prime Minister Gerard Latortue, and backed by the United States and a United Nations peacekeeping force, has been unable to stem vengeance killings and attacks since the 2004 ouster of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. It has failed to do this despite the arrests and detentions of at least 1,800 people.

One of the best-known detainees is Gerard Jean-Juste, a priest who for many years advocated for rights and fair treatment of Haitian refugees in South Florida and the United States. Jean-Juste was "temporarily" released last week for health reasons.

The government justifies the jailings, saying it suspects the detainees have had a hand in some attacks. Human rights groups charge many have been incarcerated due to their political beliefs and alliances.

What's clear is the policy of grab-and-hold has failed to quell violence, or produce justice for victims. With the election days away, it's time for this terribly divided and violence-torn society to take a giant step toward peace and reconciliation.

The Haitian government should release Jean-Juste, and those in detention who have not been charged with crimes despite months of imprisonment and a paucity of solid evidence that they committed wrongdoing.

The mass detentions have only sown more discord and bitterness across Haiti, and that anger and resentment could undermine the election. If that happens, it would deal Haitians another terrible setback.

The election must yield a legitimate and respected government if Haiti is to move toward progress and peace. The voting offers more hope for progress than vindictiveness.

BOTTOM LINE: Government should release those unfairly arrested.


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