Overview:
Two Haitian journalists, Osnel Espérance of Radio Uni FM and Junior Célestin of Radio Tv Megastar, have been kidnapped on Friday in downtown Port-au-Prince by members of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition whereas reporting within the discipline. The kidnapping occurred amid ongoing clashes between police and gangs linked to the FBI-wanted man, Johnson “Izo” André, heightening alarm inside Haiti’s media group.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Two Haitian journalists have been kidnapped Friday in downtown Port-au-Prince by armed members of the gang coalition Viv Ansanm, their employers stated. This double abduction, together with an assault at a veteran journalist’s residence a day earlier, raises new considerations concerning the security of media employees in Haiti— notably within the capital.
The victims, Osnel Espérance of Radio Uni FM and Junior Célestin of Radio Tv Megastar, have been kidnapped whereas reporting within the decrease a part of the town.
The gang members concerned are believed to be affiliated with the Village de Dieu group led by the FBI-wanted infamous man Johnson “Izo” André, which has been clashing with Haitian Nationwide Police models within the space since March 12. Authorities haven’t launched details about the journalists’ situation or attainable ransom calls for.
“On Friday, journalists Osnel Espérance (Uni FM) and Junior Célestin (Megastar) have been captured by armed members of Viv Ansanm in Port-au-Prince whereas finishing up their reporting duties within the discipline. We demand their fast launch,” Radio Uni FM wrote on X.
The kidnapping comes amid intensified police operations in a number of neighborhoods of downtown Port-au-Prince, together with Bel-Air, Grand-Rue, Rue Joseph Janvier and Bicentenaire, areas the place gangs keep a powerful presence.
Police models — supported by a process drive from the Prime Minister’s Workplace — have been deployed as a part of the offensive, which has included using explosive drones towards gang positions.
The clashes have additionally resulted in civilian casualties. No less than six civilians have been killed, together with two schoolgirls and their father, on Rue Chareron in downtown Port-au-Prince on Wednesday.
Unverified info circulating on social media suggests gang members might have accused the journalists of performing as police informants after seeing them filming within the space. Police haven’t publicly commented on the kidnapping, which reportedly occurred close to the town soccer stadium ( Stade Sylvio Cator) and the primary cemetery — places lengthy below gang affect.
The kidnapping occurred at some point after one other assault focusing on a distinguished Haitian journalist.
On Thursday night time, armed males tried to interrupt into the house of Marvel Dandin, director of Radio Kiskeya, within the Soisson neighborhood of Thomassin, within the Pétion-Ville district.
In accordance with Dandin, about seven males armed with 9 mm pistols tried to drive their manner into his condominium, trying to interrupt via the door and a wall to succeed in his bed room earlier than opening hearth towards the residence.
Dandin stated the attackers appeared to know the home and its occupants, suggesting the assault might have been focused.
“I gained’t fake that the scenario left me unscathed; it had a serious affect, and I wouldn’t want it on anybody,” the journalist stated. “It’s humanly tough to endure.”
The incidents spotlight the rising risks confronted by journalists in Haiti, the place insecurity has pressured many reporters to work below excessive circumstances, navigating gang-controlled neighborhoods and growing threats.
In accordance with Reporters With out Borders, journalism in Haiti has confronted an unprecedented safety disaster since 2022, when at the very least six journalists have been killed in reference to their work.
The Committee to Defend Journalists (CPJ) additionally reported that at the very least six journalists have been kidnapped by gangs in 2023, with further instances reported in 2024, together with the kidnapping of reporter Valéry Pierre within the Artibonite area.
“Judicial authorities should examine these incidents. Haiti is among the world’s most harmful locations for journalists,” CPJ stated. The group has documented 9 journalists killed since 2021, six of them in direct reference to their reporting.
As insecurity deepens, different press freedom advocates—becoming a member of CPJ’s voice—are calling for pressing measures to guard journalists and make sure the public’s proper to info.