MIAMI:
THE INTER-AMERICAN Press Association (IAPA) expressed its concern over the increase in violence against journalists and radio stations in Haiti recently and publicly urged President Jean Bertrand Aristide to guarantee freedom of the press and the safety of journalists.
Radio Maxima, a station in opposition to President Aristide's government, was raided and part of its equipment destroyed by the police who searched and shut down the station on Wednesday, December 17, while they were looking for alleged weapons hidden in its building, and, according to officials, were found on the station's roof.
"We are concerned about how the police handled the situation, despite having a Court Order, and it calls our attention that the search happened precisely when anti-government protests have been reported in the country and the station is known for its opposition to the government," stated Rafael Molina, Chairman of the Committee on Freedom of the Press and Information.
On October 27, Radio Maxima, privately owned and operated in the northern city of Cap-Haitien, was forced to suspend its news broadcast after receiving threats from government supporters. Meanwhile, the station's director, Jean Robert Lalanne, received a death threat on November 25. Lalanne also is an opposition leader in that part of the country.
Molina, director of Ahora magazine of the Dominican Republic, added, "We have known about threats and statements from public officials against the press. It is important for President Aristide to follow through with his promise to respect press freedom and avoid an increase in harassment and violence against the media and journalists."
