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57th General Assembly
Washington, D.C., October, 12-16,
2001
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Country-by-Country
Reports
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HAITI
In this time of great political tension, journalists
report frequent harassment by civilian and military officials. Some commentators
say they have been threatened, and others say they censor themselves to prevent
threats from being carried out against them or their families.
Haitian journalists frequently complain that it is very difficult to obtain
official information in a country where the government generally controls things.
Radio is still the main source of information because of the high rate of illiteracy.
For that reason, radio journalists and commentators are under the most pressure
from official groups - either semi-official or military - as well as political
sectors tied to the government, such as the ruling Lavalas Family party, and
the opposition.
Recently, crime in general and drug trafficking have added to the pressure on
journalists, who often are offered bribes in an attempt to take advantage of
the fact that most are paid very low salaries.
The Journalists Association has said, after consulting with them, that the journalists
who complain of pressure and threats do not want to be identified to prevent
attacks on them.
President Jean Bertrand Aristide has said repeatedly that he respects press
freedom and his government is open to criticism. Nevertheless, the lack of safety
for the Haitian people is a serious obstacle to such freedom becoming a reality.
The murders of journalists Jean Léopold Dominique and Gérard Denoze
still have not been punished.
A trial of suspects in the case of Dominique's murder has begun, but it has
not been concluded because of frequent judicial incidents and because the judge
has said he was threatened and feels intimidated.
 questions
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Copyright © 2003 Inter American Press Association.
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