Haitian authorities condemn gangs threat against journalists

Haiti's Presidential Transitional Council ( PTC) condemned the threats from gang leaders against journalists, who are currently working under heavy pressure and putting their lives on the line.

Freedom of the press is sacred and non-negotiable, and we condemn in the strongest terms the unacceptable threats made by criminals against journalists,’ a PTC communiqué stressed.

We unwaveringly support all reporters in the country, who bravely continue their work at the risk of their lives, stresses the text published by the digital newspaper Haiti Libre.

A few hours ago, the head of the “Living Together” gang coalition, Jimmy Chérizier, alias Barbecue, threatened several journalists.

During a live broadcast on the TikTok platform, reporters Guerrier Dieuseul, Johnny Ferdinand, Loucko Désir and Essaue César were intimidated by Barbecue.

The ex-cop asked his colleague Vitelhomme Inocent, another influential gang leader, to specifically target Dieuseul and Ferdinand for their stance against “Living Togetner”.

Unrepentantly, Barbecue admitted being behind the kidnapping of Lucien Jura, a former journalist, the digital media Kominotek reported.

Barbecue’s message to the press shows the growing audacity of gangs in Haiti, who no longer seem afraid to go public to intimidate those who denounce them.