General Information | Cases | Exclusion of Fanmi Lavalas from Elections | Persecution of Fanmi Lavalas Supporters | Allegations of Persecution by Fanmi Lavalas Supporters | Violence Committed by the United Nations
(See also Political Conditions/Violence Under Country Conditions)
Political Violence and Intimidation
For more information: Politics and Democracy and Defending Human Rights Defenders.
US Congresswoman Maxine Waters, actor Danny Glover make impromptu visit to Haiti, Miami Herald, April 24, 2019
Amid an uprising, can Haitian president Jovenel Moise deliver on his promises? — The Nation, July 29, 2018
Haiti’s deadly riots fueled by anger over decades of austerity and foreign interference — The Conversation, July 26, 2018
Political Crises in Nicaragua and Haiti — The Brian Lehrer Show, WNYC, July 24, 2018 (Interview with IJDH Executive Director Brian Concannon starting at 17:32)
Montreal protesters urge Ottawa to halt Haiti deportations after travel advisory– Canada’s National Observer, July 22, 2018 (Article notes Canada’s warning to “avoid all non-essential travel to the Caribbean nation due to political unrest and the risk of violence.”)
How Prison Conditions Fuel the Tuberculosis Epidemic —Inter Press Service, July 19, 2018
If Haiti’s government does not confront poverty, corruption, more unrest will follow — Miami Herald, July 17, 2018
Haiti fuel price jump was ‘guaranteed to lead to backlash,’ U.N. poverty expert says — Miami Herald, July 16, 2018
Haiti’s Prime Minister quits amid protests over fuel plan —Associated Press, New York Times, July 14, 2018
Own Goal: Fuel Price Increase Generates Crisis in Haiti — CEPR, July 11, 2018
General strike, unrest over fuel prices continue in Haiti — Boston Globe, July 10, 2018
Haiti- Security: At the UN, Michel-Ange Gédéon points the finger at MINUJUSTH’s weaknesses — Haiti Libre, June 27, 2018
Haitian photojournalist missing in Port-au-Prince — CPJ, March 28, 2018
Meet the new Haitian military– it’s starting to look a lot like the old one — CEPR, March 16, 2018
Haitian Government on the Defensive Following UN Welcoming of Corruption Investigation — CEPR, March 7, 2018
Haiti ranked worst country for most overcrowded prisons in the world — Jamaica Observer, February 5, 2018
UN confirms it helped plan a deadly police raid in Grand Ravine — CEPR, January 10, 2018
Haiti prisons: Overcrowding a major problem — Al Jazeera, January 5, 2018
URGENT ACTION: Women’s rights defender threatened with death, — Amnesty International, 13 December 2017
Haitian journalists reject request to share anti-government protest videos — VOA News, October 27, 2017
URGENT ACTION: Human rights defenders’ lives in danger — Amnesty International, April 12, 2017
New Report: Sexual Exploitation and Abuse at the Hands of the UN in Haiti — CEPR, March 22, 2017
Les Cayes attack: Guy Phillippe intends standoff with police — Haiti Sentinel, May 22, 2016
Former soldiers clash with protesters in Haiti; 1 dead — Associated Press, February 5, 2016
Ex-Haiti Coup Leader Calls on his Soldiers to ‘Get Ready’ — TeleSur, January 25, 2016
By decree, Martelly reinstates Haitian army — Haiti Sentinel, November 28, 2015
The country is ready to re-form its army, Martelly said — Haiti Libre, July 22, 2015
La Police nationale d’Haïti sur une pente dangereuse — October 21, 2014
Amnesty International, Haiti: Camp residents attacked, more at risk — October 1, 2014
‘Hundreds On The Run’ After Haiti Jailbreak — August 11, 2014
Haïti-Droits humains : Le Rnddh critique une recrudescence de la violence policière et pointe le ministère de la justice — August 6, 2014
Amnesty International, Haiti: Activists fighting for justice threatened — August 4, 2014
Hugline Jérome, la nouvelle victime de Roro Nelson — Le Nouvelliste, August 4, 2015
Homophobia still tolerated by governments around the world — May 16, 2014
Décryptage de gros transferts à la PNH — May 5, 2014
Amnesty International, Haiti: Fear for safety of human rights defender: Pierre Espérance — April 15, 2014
Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada — February 25, 2014
Amnesty International, Haiti: Killing of human rights activist and his wife must be thoroughly investigated — February 12, 2014
Haiti: LGBTI organization’s office attacked in Haiti — November 26, 2013
Human Rights Groups Denounce Illegal Arrest of Haitian Lawyer André Michel — October 24, 2013
Patrice Flovilus demande de mesures conservatoires finale — September 12, 2013
BAI/IJDH Petition IACHR to Protect Threatened Haitian Lawyer — September 12, 2013
Le travail des défenseurs des droits humains menacé en Haïti, selon le Front Line Defenders — September 4, 2013
Enforced disappearances still an appalling reality in the Americas — August 30, 2013
Haiti: Armed attack on home of human rights defender Ms Malya Villard Apollon — August 27, 2013
Haïti : Attaque armée contre la maison de la défenseure des droits humains Malya Apollon-Villard — August 27, 2013“Now They’re All Dead”: Threats of Assassination to Human Rights Advocates in Haiti — August 21, 2013
Haiti: Judicial harassment and intimidation against human rights lawyer Mr Patrice Florvilus — August 21, 2013
Haiti gangs beat 47 gays with machetes, sticks and cement blocks — July 31, 2013
Haiti Police deny reports of killing during anti-gay protest — July 26, 2013
Haïti-Droits humains : Deux hommes agressés physiquement lors d’une marche homophobe — July 20, 2013
Haiti: Two assumed homosexuals beaten to death by protest mob — July 19, 2013
Des milliers de manifestants contre l’homosexualité, deux morts — July 19, 2013
Décès à l’hôpital de l’un des manifestants blessés par balle à L’Estère — July 19, 2013
The BAI denounces religious leaders’ march against Haiti’s LGBT community — July 17, 2013
Rapport sur la mort du Juge Serge-Senat — July 6, 2013
Articles on Judge Jean Serge Joseph (French&English) — July 2013
Graves incidents à Baptiste (Plateau central) suite à l’exécution d’un prévenu par un policier — June 21, 2013
Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada,Haiti: The Haitian National Police — June 13, 2013
Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada,Haïti : résumé des observations sur la sécurité et la violence à Haïti — June 10, 2013
Amnesty International Urgent Action: Patrice Florvilus (English & French) — May 22, 2013
Haiti: 13-yr old daughter of Gonaives Commissioner shot and in critical condition — May 6, 2013
Un ancien collègue du policier Walky Calixte tué, un suspect arrêté — May 2, 2013
Un Député de l’opposition victime d’un braquage qui serait politiquement motivé — April 27, 2013
Amnesty International, Haiti: Protester ‘beaten to death by police’ following attack on camp — April 17, 2013
Haiti: The Ayiti an Aksyon (AAA) party during the elections in November 2010 and March 2011, including its candidates’ names, political activities and social engagement; whether the party was involved in violent activities against other political parties, independent candidates or people who refused to join the party during the elections in 2010 and 2011 (November 2010-May 2011) – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, April 2, 2013
Departing UN official blasts Haiti’s rights record — March 28, 2013
UN News Service, Haiti: UN humanitarian official concerned about growing number of forced evictions — March 11, 2013
Haïti-presse: deux journalistes malmenés par la police, l’AJH proteste — February 13, 2013
Une rencontre de l’opposition perturbée, le gouvernement se défend — January 7, 2013
Haïti – Politique : Le Directeur Général de l’ONA, victime d’agression au Sénat — January 5, 2013
Assorted Articles on violence — 2012
Pétition de soutien aux défenseurs des droits de l’homme en Haïti — November 2, 2012
La Liberté de Presse en Haïti : Un Effet Dissuasif sur les Journalistes Critiques du Gouvernement — November 1, 2012
Haiti: Recent threats to Mr. Mario Joseph, Mr. Newton St-Juste and Mr. André Michel — October 26, 2012
Amnesty International Action Alert: Haiti Lawyers — October 4, 2012
Harassment of Mario Joseph 10-3-2012 — October 3, 2014
Articles on Jean Renel Senatus — September 2012
Jean Renel Senatus Articles (French) — September & October 2012
A Judicial Crisis Erupts in Haiti — September 28, 2012
Haiti’s Military Monster Makes a Creeping Comeback — July 6, 2012
Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada,Haiti: Security situation — May 28, 2012
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Haiti: Frequency of kidnappings — May 22, 2012
RAPPORT SUR LA TORTURE ET MEURTRE DE SERGE DEMOSTHENE (December 2011, French) — December 30, 2011
“Mafia boss… Drug dealer… Poster-boy for political corruption” : WikiLeaked U.S. Embassy Cables Portray Senator Youri Latortue – Haiti Liberte (Vol 4. No. 50), June 21 – July 5, 2011
In Haiti, ‘We Will Never Fall Asleep Forgetting — February 24, 2011
Haiti: Fear for safety/Death threats — October 24, 2010
Analyse et Commentaire du 35ème Rapport sur la Violence dans la Zone Métropolitaine (Commission Episcopale Nationale Justice et Paix) — August 10, 2010
Assassinat Hier Mardi du Dr Ronald Joseph, Dirigeant de la KID (Radio Métropole Haïti) — August 4, 2010
Le RNDDH Attire L’attention des Autorités Concernées sur L’amplification des Actes de Violence dans le Pays (RNDDH) — June 29, 2010Haïti: des Manifs de Plus en Plus Violentes (Haiti Press Network) — May 27, 2010
Escape Attempt Led to Killings of Unarmed Inmates, The New York Times, May 22, 2010
Une Manifestation Anti-Gouvernementale Tourne à la Violence et au Pillage (Haiti en Marche) — May 10, 2010
Indicted Death Squad Leader Holds Campaign Meeting in Haiti – December 23, 2009
Journalist Guy Delva Under Threat — November 7, 2007
Interview with Ben Dupuy, General Secretary of the Parti Populaire National (PPN) – February 16, 2007
More Delays in La Scierie Case – January 24, 2007
The ruling of the investigating judge in the case of the alleged massacre at La Scierie is not yet ready – January 24, 2007
Fewer kidnappings, improved security – but life remains harsh on the streets of Haiti, The Independent – November 27, 2006
Haiti: Latortue’s legacy – October 22, 2006
What Future for Haiti? An Interview with Patrick Elie, Reed Lindsay – October 23, 2006
Witnesses say 2 civilians killed in Haiti clash with U.N. troops — October 20, 2006
Thousands march in Haiti demanding end to reign of terror – October 14, 2006
What the World Bank and IDB Owe Haiti – July 25, 2006
Mobilisation du 15 Juillet 2006, Lovinsky Pierre Antoine – July 15, 2006
Ailing Haitian Priest Urges Release of All Political Prisoners in Homeland – June 27, 2006
Making Our Country Safe For Democracy in Haiti – April 1, 2006
2005 World Press Freedom Review- Haiti, International Press Institute – March 10, 2006
Fraud and Scandal in Haiti’s Presidential Election: Preval’s Victory and the UN’s Disgrace – March 6, 2006
Haiti: Election Day and Beyond – February 6, 2006
Democracy Undone-Mixed U.S. Signals Helped Tilt Haiti Toward Chaos – January 29, 2006
Calls mount for investigation into rights abuses by Haiti’s police – May 24, 2005
Brian Concannon, An Prensip: The Subordination of the Judiciary in Haiti (HaitiAction.net) – May 12, 2005
Haiti Court Overturns Slaying Convictions – May 9, 2005
Amnesty International: Haitian Police Use Excessive Force Against Peaceful Demonstrations (PDF) – April 29, 2005
Amnesty International: Haitian National Police must be held accountable for killings of civilians (PDF) – April 29, 2005
Human Rights Situation: Port-au-Prince, Haiti — April 27, 2005
Addressing “Street Gang” Violence and Collateral Damage — April 1, 2005
Haiti Trip: Health Care and Human Rights – March 22, 2005
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices (extract) – February 28, 2005
Les Chimères entretiennent un climat de terreur à Port-au-Prince — December 21, 2004
Haiti: International Legal Network: Human Rights Defenders at Risk: Renan Hedouville and other Members of CARLI, and Lawyer Mario Joseph (Amnesty International) – October 20, 2004
General Information
For an acknowledgment of the different political parties in Haiti, see Political background on Haiti (see section on political parties) – The CQ Researcher Blog – March 2010
On the faction of Lavalas see Le Conseil de l’Ordre des avocats de Port-au-Prince dénonce des dérives dans les pratiques judiciaires, dont l’assignation à résidence de Jean-Bertrand Aristide – Radio Kiskeya – September 14, 2014
Haiti’s Fragile Democracy – Jurist – August 31, 2014
Thousands Follow Ex-Haiti President After Court – Associated Press – May 8, 2013
Puzzling US Stand on Haiti’s Aristide – Trinidad Express – March 19, 2011
Preval Rejects US Ideas for Election Including Return of Aristide’s Party, Lavalas, Banned in 2009 – HCV Analysis – July 3, 2010
Third Lavalas Faction – Are they Fanmi Lavalas? – Marguerite Laurent – Feb 16, 2009
US Lawmakers Concerned over Haiti’s Forthcoming Poll (see section “Party splits”) – Mark Doyle BBC – 12 October 2010
Lavalas Party Divided, Compromised Elections/ Parti Lavalas Divisé, Élections Compromises (located in the bottom half) (French) – Archives Nouvelles d’Haïti et d’ailleurs
Former President Aristide Confirms Giving Mandate to Maryse Narcisse – Haitian Press Association (French) – November 25, 2009
Letter from Former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to CEP, Confirming Mandate of Maryse Narcisse (English and French) – November 18, 2009
Jean-Bertrand Aristide remains potent force in Haiti – Miami Herald – March 1, 2009
Bursting the Dam of Containment – June 21, 2008
Popular Base Committee of Fanmi Lavalas Makes Declaration – May 2, 2008
Cases
- Joseph v. Holder, 600 F.3d 1235 (April 14, 2010) (persecution by the Ramikos because petitioner supports the Lavalas).
- Alcius v. Holder, 374 Fed. Appx. 583 (March 23, 2010) (persecution by paramilitary groups based on petitioner’s affiliation to the Lavalas party).
Exclusion of Fanmi Lavalas from Elections
The Fanmi Lavalas party has been banned from elections since the 2004 coup.
WikiLeaks Haiti: Cable Depicts Fraudulent Haiti Election (The Nation) – June 8, 2011
The Imposition of Martelly, the Reconstitution of the Army, and the Restoration of Duvalier (San Francisco Bay View) – June 8, 2011
Martelly: Haiti’s Second Great Disaster (Al Jazeera) – May 4, 2011
Sovereignty, Stability and Sweet Micky: What is Going on in Haiti? – March 11, 2011
Haiti’s Growing Momentum Towards Democracy (Guardian) – February 2, 2011
Walkom: Ottawa’s Concern For Haiti Not Just Humanitarian – January 26, 2011
Only New, Fair Voting Can Help Haiti Now – January 12, 2011
Haiti’s Election: A Travesty of Democracy: OAS Backs Illegitimate Election in Haiti in Which Three-Quarters of Haitians Didn’t Vote – January 10, 2011
The Betrayal of Haiti – January 7, 2011
Hold new, open, fair elections – January 3, 2011
US Will Pay for Haitian Vote Fraud (Boston Globe) – December 15, 2010
Popular Anger Unabated over Chaotic Polls – December 2, 2010
Don’t blame Haitians for election fiasco – December 1, 2010
International Community Should Reject Haiti’s “Sham” Elections, CEPR Co-Director Says – November 29, 2010
Haiti’s Fouled-Up Election – November 29, 2010
Election chaos has Haiti again on edge of turmoil – November 28, 2010
Haitians prepare for an ‘election of halves’ – November 27, 2010
Haiti’s Sham Elections: Five Reasons to Care – November 26, 2010
With friends like these…CARICOM and Haiti – November 15, 2010
Haiti’s Faithless Elections: Lack of Certainty of the Provisional Electoral Council Pushes National and International Leaders to Speak Out – October 26, 2010
Haiti’s Flawed Elections: A Set-Back for the Country’s Political Future-and the Post-Earthquake Rebuilding Process – October 21, 2010
Haiti Voter Beware – October 18, 2010
Haiti presidential elections to be held at gunpoint – October 16, 2010
State Department Dumbfounded by Congressional Concerns Over Haiti’s Selection Elections – October 14, 2010
US lawmakers concerned over Haiti’s forthcoming poll – October 12, 2010
In Haiti, barred political parties, homeless call for reform ahead of elections – October 12, 2010
Members of Congress are right to urge changes to Haiti’s flawed electoral process – October 11, 2010
US lawmakers warn of flaws in Haiti vote process – October 8, 2010
Why Can’t Haitians Get a Fair Election? – October 5, 2010
Empty Promises, Empty Votes (IPS) – September 29, 2010
Haiti election campaign opens amid anger over candidate exclusions – September 28, 2010
Silent Coup in Haiti – September 19, 2010
Haiti election commission under scrutiny for ties to President René Préval – September 16, 2010
Unfair and Undemocratic – September 8, 2010
Wyclef Jean appealing Haiti election ruling, says ‘trickery’ used – August 24, 2010
The Assault on Haitian Democracy – August 23, 2010
Cyber Saturday: Congress must put pressure on Haiti – August 14, 2010
Wyclef Jean’s presidential bid – August 12, 2010
Haiti’s Presidential Candidates: Not Just Wyclef and His Family – August 11, 2010
Wyclef Jean candidacy an “effort to put a smiley face on military occupation” in Haiti – August 4, 2010
Haiti Gears Up for Polls – Again, Sans Lavalas – June 30, 2011
With Date for Elections Set, Next Step is to Ensure Full Participation – June 30, 2010
Elections Without Voters: Eroding Participation in Haiti – January 6, 2010
Aristide Energizes the Mobilization for Democracy – December 25, 2009
Don’t honor tainted election – December 11, 2009
Electoral Frustrations Threaten Haiti Vote – December 10, 2009
Citizens, Human Rights Groups Claim Michel Forst Acting with Partisanship – December 3, 2009
Charge Manipulation in 2010 Elections – December 1, 2009
Two-faced Democracy in Haiti – November 26, 2009
Haiti’s Stealth Elections: What’s at Stake – December 2, 2006
Fraud and Scandal in Haiti’s Presidential Election: Preval’s Victory and the UN’s Disgrace – March 3, 2006
U.S. doesn’t realize depth of Haiti’s problems – October 6, 2005
Persecution and Kidnapping of Fanmi Lavalas Supporters
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Rep. Gutiérrez Concerned Letter to Secretary Kerry — September 24, 2014
RNDDH – Dossier Jean-Bertrand Aristide — September 12, 2014
Rep. Waters Concerned Letter to Secretary Kerry — September 12, 2014
Calls Mount to Free Lavalas Activist — September 28, 2009
HAITI: Calls Mount to Free Lavalas Activist — August 20, 2009
Half-Hour for Haiti: Free Ronald Dauphin for the New Year – January 14, 2009
Haitian Human Rights Activist and His Family in Grave Danger, Says Amnesty International – January 10, 2008
Further Information on UA 336/07 Fear for safety – January 9, 2008
Amnesty International Calls for Action by Haiti on Abduction and Threats Against “September 30” Human Rights Defenders – December 20, 2007
Amnesty International Urgent Action: Lovinsky Pierre-Antoine and Wilson Mesilien – December 18, 2007
Gunshots Fired at Radio-Tele Ginen – November 9, 2007
Half-Hour for Haiti: Get Haiti Debt Cancellation Its Day on Capitol Hill – November 1, 2007
One Lavalas Official Freed in Haiti, Second Remains Missing (Haiti Information Project) – October 31, 2007
Dr. Maryse Narcisse Kidnapped in Haiti – October 30, 2007
WHERE’S LOVINSKY? ACTIVIST WAS KIDNAPPED WHILE IN HAITI – October 18, 2007
Victims of Violence Organize in Plateau-Central – August 21, 2007
Activist Haitian priest finds peace, obscurity while recovering in Broward, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, December 4, 2006
Demonstration at Ministry of Justice for the Release of Political Prisoners, Wadner Pierre (BAI), November 11, 2006
Ailing Haitian Priest Urges Release of All Political Prisoners in Homeland – June 27, 2006
Jailed Haitian Catholic Priest Flown to United States for Medical Treatment – January 30, 2006
Amnesty International Action Alert: Release Political Prisoner Annette Auguste – January 10, 2006
Amnesty International Action Alert Regarding Frere Gerard Jean Juste – January 6, 2006
Democracy’s Death – May 12, 2005
Gunfire Kills 1 in Pro-Aristide Haiti Slum – April 29, 2005
Allegations of Persecution by Fanmi Lavalas Supporters
Violence Committed by the United Nations
Radio Métropole Haiti, Manifestation/violence : « les soldats de la MINUSTAH coupables seront punis » — December 16, 2014
New York:Demonstration,Delegation,and Community Meeting Demand UN Troops Leave Haiti – October 18, 2012
Haiti: United Nations Mission Denounced by Human Rights Organization (Defend.ht) – December 23, 2011
Council on Hemispheric Affairs, The “Enforcers”: MINUSTAH and the Culture of Violence in Port-au-Prince — November 28, 2011
MINUSTAH: Obstacle to Democracy in Haiti – November 24, 2010
Haitians Want an End to Violent UN/MINUSTAH Occupation – September 7, 2010
West still ‘undermining Haiti’ – June 12, 2010
Mass Protests Begin in Haiti – May 12, 2010
From Haiti to Tibet, China’s role in suppressing democracy – March 17, 2008
Project Censored Calls Massacres by UN Troops A Top Censored Story – October 11, 2007
The UNspoken truth about gangs in Haiti – February 14, 2007
UN Occupation of Haiti Intensifies – February 2, 2007
Another Massacre in Cite Soleil? – December 29, 2006
Kevin Pina/ Marian Peleski – November 11, 2006
Witnesses say 2 civilians killed in Haiti clash with U.N. troops – October 20, 2006
Thousands march in Haiti demanding end to reign of terror – October 14, 2006
U.N.-Liberating Haiti – September 1, 2006
Gunfire Kills 1 in Pro-Aristide Haiti Slum – April 29, 2005
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General Information | Cases | Exclusion of Fanmi Lavalas from Elections |Persecution of Fanmi Lavalas Supporters | Allegations of Persecution by Fanmi Lavalas Supporters | Other Political Violence | Violence Committed by the United Nations