Gang attack at Haiti hospital reopening kills two journalists
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A gang attack at the reopening of Port-au-Prince’s General Hospital on Christmas Eve has resulted in the deaths of two journalists and left several others injured, prompting widespread condemnation from Haiti’s interim president, Leslie Voltaire.
Voltaire expressed his shock and sorrow in a public address, condemning the attack as an assault on not only journalists but also members of the public and the police. “In the name of the transitional presidential council, we condemn what happened today… when members of the population, journalists, and policemen were attacked,” he said. He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and the Haitian National Police, affirming that those responsible for the attack would be held accountable.
The attack occurred as journalists gathered to cover the reopening of the hospital, which had been forced to close earlier this year due to ongoing gang violence. The reopening was a significant event for the capital, as the hospital is an essential healthcare facility in a city struggling with widespread violence. However, the event quickly descended into chaos when suspected members of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition opened fire on the crowd of reporters.
The Online Media Collective, a Haitian journalism group, identified the two journalists who were killed as Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. Disturbing videos from the scene showed their lifeless bodies on stretchers, one of which had a press credential, confirming that they were indeed journalists. Their deaths highlight the increasingly perilous working conditions for reporters in Haiti, where violence from gangs has become a daily threat.
Street gangs currently control about 85% of Port-au-Prince, a situation that has paralyzed essential services across the country. The gangs have been responsible for a range of violent crimes, including kidnappings, extortion, and armed robbery, but journalists and police officers have become particular targets due to their roles in documenting and fighting gang activities. Despite government promises to restore order, gang violence continues to escalate, leaving much of the population living in fear.
The attack on the hospital reopening is just one example of the growing lawlessness in Haiti. The ongoing violence has made it increasingly difficult for people to access basic healthcare and other vital services. The general hospital’s closure earlier this year, due to gang activity, is a clear indication of the severe impact that these criminal groups have on the country’s infrastructure and public services.
Journalists in Haiti have long been under threat, with gang violence and political instability making it extremely dangerous to report on the situation. Attacks on reporters have become more frequent, and many journalists have been forced to operate in an environment where their safety is constantly at risk. The murder of Nathoux and Jean highlights the dangers faced by the press in Haiti, where they are often targeted for their efforts to expose the truth about the gang violence and corruption plaguing the country.
In the wake of the attack, Haiti’s authorities have vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice. The Haitian National Police, which has been stretched thin in its efforts to combat gang violence, is under increasing pressure to protect journalists and restore order in the country. Voltaire has pledged that the attack will not go unpunished, and authorities are calling on the international community for support in addressing the ongoing violence.
The tragic deaths of the two journalists have sparked outrage both in Haiti and abroad, with human rights organizations and press freedom groups condemning the attack and calling for justice. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have both issued statements demanding that the Haitian government take immediate action to protect journalists and restore the rule of law.
The attack at the hospital reopening serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing both journalists and civilians in Haiti, as the country grapples with an ever-worsening security crisis. With gangs controlling much of the capital, it is unclear how the government can regain control of the situation and ensure the safety of its people, especially those working to expose the truth. Until the government can successfully address the growing threat of gang violence, the country’s healthcare system, infrastructure, and press freedom will remain at risk.
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